How can you reduce your A1C levels naturally. What dietary changes can help lower A1C. Which exercise routines are most effective for managing diabetes. How does portion control impact A1C levels. Why is medication adherence crucial for A1C management. Can stress reduction techniques influence A1C readings. How does adequate sleep affect A1C levels.

Understanding A1C and Its Importance in Diabetes Management

A1C, also known as glycated hemoglobin, is a crucial marker for long-term blood sugar control in people with diabetes. It provides an average of blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. Why is A1C so important? It helps healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of diabetes management strategies and predict the risk of complications.

What is a healthy A1C level? For most adults with diabetes, the target A1C is below 7%. However, individual goals may vary based on factors such as age, overall health, and risk of hypoglycemia. Maintaining A1C within the target range can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, including heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage.

Optimizing Your Diet to Lower A1C Levels

Diet plays a crucial role in managing blood sugar levels and, consequently, A1C. How can you make dietary changes to lower your A1C? Here are some effective strategies:

The Power of Meal Planning

Meal planning is an essential tool for managing diabetes and lowering A1C. How does it help? By creating a structured eating plan, you can better control portion sizes, balance nutrients, and maintain consistent blood sugar levels. Consider these tips for effective meal planning:

• Create a weekly grocery list focusing on nutrient-dense foods
• Prepare meals in advance to ensure healthy options are always available
• Incorporate a variety of foods to prevent boredom and ensure balanced nutrition
• Plan for flexibility to accommodate unexpected changes in schedule or cravings

Mastering Portion Control

Controlling portion sizes is crucial for managing blood sugar levels and reducing A1C. How can you effectively practice portion control? Try these techniques:

• Use smaller plates to visually trick your brain into feeling satisfied with less food
• Learn to estimate appropriate portion sizes using everyday objects as references
• Avoid eating directly from packages to prevent overconsumption
• When dining out, consider sharing meals or taking leftovers home

Implementing the Diabetes Plate Method

The diabetes plate method is a simple yet effective approach to meal planning that can help lower A1C levels. How does it work? Imagine dividing your plate into three sections:

1. Half of the plate should consist of non-starchy vegetables (e.g., broccoli, spinach, peppers)
2. One-quarter should contain lean proteins (e.g., chicken, fish, tofu)
3. The remaining quarter should be filled with carbohydrates (e.g., whole grains, legumes, fruits)

This method ensures a balanced intake of nutrients while helping to control blood sugar levels. It’s versatile and can be applied to various meal types, including sandwiches and mixed dishes.

The Role of Exercise in Lowering A1C Levels

Regular physical activity is a powerful tool for managing diabetes and lowering A1C levels. How does exercise impact blood sugar control? It increases insulin sensitivity, allowing your body to use glucose more effectively. Additionally, exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for diabetes management.

Developing an Effective Exercise Routine

Creating a sustainable exercise routine is key to lowering A1C levels. How can you start? Begin with small, achievable goals and gradually increase intensity and duration. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
• Incorporate strength training exercises twice a week to build muscle mass
• Choose activities you enjoy to increase adherence to your exercise plan
• Break up long periods of sitting with short bouts of activity throughout the day

Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise regimen, especially if you have any diabetes-related complications.

Stress Management and Its Impact on A1C Levels

Chronic stress can significantly impact blood sugar levels and, consequently, A1C readings. How does stress affect diabetes management? It triggers the release of hormones that can cause blood sugar to rise. Additionally, stress may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating or neglecting diabetes care routines.

Effective Stress Reduction Techniques

Implementing stress management strategies can help lower A1C levels and improve overall diabetes control. Which techniques are most effective? Consider trying the following:

• Practice mindfulness meditation to reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being
• Engage in regular physical activity to release endorphins and reduce stress
• Try deep breathing exercises to activate the body’s relaxation response
• Seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional when needed

The Importance of Quality Sleep in A1C Management

Adequate sleep is often overlooked in diabetes management, but it plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy A1C levels. How does sleep affect blood sugar control? Poor sleep can lead to increased insulin resistance, higher stress hormone levels, and altered appetite regulation. All of these factors can contribute to elevated blood sugar levels and, consequently, higher A1C readings.

Tips for Improving Sleep Quality

Enhancing your sleep habits can have a positive impact on A1C levels. What steps can you take to improve sleep quality? Consider implementing these strategies:

• Establish a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal your body it’s time to wind down
• Ensure your sleeping environment is dark, quiet, and cool
• Limit exposure to blue light from electronic devices before bedtime
• Avoid caffeine and large meals close to bedtime

Medication Adherence and A1C Control

For many individuals with diabetes, medication is an essential component of managing blood sugar levels and lowering A1C. Why is medication adherence so crucial? Consistently taking prescribed medications helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of complications and improving overall diabetes management.

Strategies for Improving Medication Adherence

Adhering to a medication regimen can be challenging, but there are several strategies to help improve consistency. How can you enhance your medication adherence? Try these tips:

• Use pill organizers or smartphone apps to track medication schedules
• Set reminders on your phone or other devices to prompt medication taking
• Incorporate medication taking into your daily routine, such as with meals or before bed
• Educate yourself about your medications and their importance in diabetes management
• Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any concerns or side effects

Regular Monitoring and A1C Management

Consistent monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential for effective A1C management. How does regular monitoring help? It provides real-time feedback on how different factors, such as food, exercise, and stress, affect your blood sugar levels. This information allows for timely adjustments to your diabetes management plan, ultimately leading to better A1C control.

Types of Blood Glucose Monitoring

There are several methods available for monitoring blood glucose levels. Which option is best for you? Consider these common approaches:

• Traditional fingerstick testing: Provides immediate blood glucose readings
• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM): Offers real-time, continuous glucose data
• A1C tests: Conducted every 3-6 months to assess long-term blood sugar control

Discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate monitoring method for your individual needs.

Using Monitoring Data to Improve A1C Levels

Collecting blood glucose data is only the first step. How can you effectively use this information to lower your A1C? Consider these strategies:

• Keep a detailed log of glucose readings, meals, exercise, and medication
• Look for patterns in your data to identify factors that may be affecting your blood sugar levels
• Share your monitoring results with your healthcare team to guide treatment decisions
• Use the data to make informed choices about food, activity, and medication timing

Remember, the goal of monitoring is not to achieve perfect numbers but to gather information that can help you and your healthcare team make informed decisions about your diabetes management plan.

The Role of Weight Management in A1C Control

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing diabetes and lowering A1C levels. How does weight affect blood sugar control? Excess body weight, particularly around the abdomen, can increase insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to use glucose effectively. Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and lower A1C levels.

Sustainable Weight Loss Strategies

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight requires a long-term approach. What strategies can help you lose weight sustainably? Consider these evidence-based tips:

• Focus on creating a modest calorie deficit through a combination of diet and exercise
• Choose nutrient-dense, whole foods that promote satiety and blood sugar stability
• Incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine
• Practice mindful eating to develop a healthier relationship with food
• Set realistic weight loss goals, aiming for a 5-10% reduction in body weight initially

Remember, sustainable weight loss is a gradual process. Aim for a loss of 1-2 pounds per week to increase the likelihood of long-term success.

The Impact of Small Weight Changes on A1C

You don’t need to achieve a dramatic weight loss to see improvements in your A1C levels. How much weight loss is necessary to impact A1C? Studies have shown that losing just 5-10% of your body weight can lead to significant improvements in blood sugar control. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, losing 10-20 pounds could potentially lower your A1C by 0.5-1%.

It’s important to note that the benefits of weight loss extend beyond A1C control. Even modest weight reduction can improve other aspects of health, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular risk.

Harnessing the Power of Technology for A1C Management

In today’s digital age, technology offers numerous tools to support diabetes management and A1C control. How can technology help you lower your A1C? From smartphone apps to wearable devices, these innovations can streamline tracking, provide valuable insights, and enhance your diabetes care routine.

Diabetes Management Apps

Smartphone applications can be powerful allies in your quest to lower A1C levels. What features should you look for in a diabetes management app? Consider these key functionalities:

• Blood glucose logging and tracking
• Medication reminders and adherence tracking
• Food and carbohydrate databases for easy meal planning
• Exercise tracking and integration with fitness devices
• Data visualization and trend analysis
• Option to share data with healthcare providers

Popular diabetes management apps include MySugr, Glucose Buddy, and OneTouch Reveal. Explore different options to find the app that best suits your needs and preferences.

Wearable Devices and A1C Management

Wearable technology has revolutionized diabetes care, offering continuous monitoring and real-time data. How can wearable devices help lower A1C levels? Consider these benefits:

• Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide 24/7 glucose data, allowing for timely interventions
• Fitness trackers can help you monitor physical activity and its impact on blood sugar levels
• Smartwatches can deliver medication reminders and display glucose data from compatible CGMs
• Some devices offer predictive alerts for potential high or low blood sugar events

When choosing a wearable device, consider factors such as accuracy, ease of use, and compatibility with your existing diabetes management tools.

The Importance of Education and Support in A1C Management

Knowledge is power when it comes to managing diabetes and lowering A1C levels. How can education and support contribute to better A1C control? By improving your understanding of diabetes and its management, you can make more informed decisions about your care and develop effective self-management skills.

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)

DSMES programs are designed to empower individuals with diabetes to take an active role in their care. What does DSMES typically cover? These programs often include:

• Basic diabetes education, including the pathophysiology of the disease
• Nutritional counseling and meal planning strategies
• Medication management and insulin administration techniques
• Blood glucose monitoring and interpretation of results
• Strategies for managing diabetes-related complications
• Behavioral change techniques to support healthy lifestyle habits

Research has shown that participation in DSMES programs can lead to significant improvements in A1C levels, often reducing A1C by 0.5-1%.

Building a Support Network

Managing diabetes can be challenging, and having a strong support network is crucial for long-term success. How can you build an effective support system? Consider these strategies:

• Join a diabetes support group, either in-person or online
• Engage with diabetes communities on social media platforms
• Involve family and friends in your diabetes management journey
• Work closely with your healthcare team, including your primary care physician, endocrinologist, and diabetes educator
• Consider working with a mental health professional who specializes in chronic disease management

Remember, you don’t have to manage diabetes alone. Seeking support and education can significantly improve your ability to lower A1C levels and enhance your overall quality of life with diabetes.

9 Ways to Lower Your A1C Level

You can lower your A1C level with changes to diet, exercise, and other habits. For some people, medication may also help.

Diabetes is a serious, chronic condition that can lead to many complications. But there are ways to manage your blood sugar levels that may reduce your risk.

A doctor may test your A1C level if you have or are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent complications.

Here are nine ways to lower your A1C:

Eating certain foods may help lower your A1C, so you may want to make a plan and stick to it. A few important strategies include:

• Make a grocery list: When trying to fill your basket with nutrient-dense foods while minimizing sweets, having and following a list can help you avoid impulse purchases. If you’re trying out new recipes, a list can help make sure you get home with all the right ingredients.
• Meal prep ahead of time: When you’re fixing a nutritious meal, you can save time by doubling the recipe, so you have another meal readily available later in the week.
• Build in flexibility: Plan to give yourself options before you need them. That way, you’re not searching for a fallback when the cupboards are bare and your stomach is rumbling.

Controlling portion sizes may also help reduce your A1C. Helpful practices can include:

• Get familiar with the appropriate portion sizes: You don’t have to measure every food you eat by the gram to learn to recognize and make a habit of thinking about what’s a right-size portion.
• Use smaller plates at home: For portioning purposes, opting for a smaller plate may help limit portion sizes.
• Avoid eating from a bag: If you’re having a few crackers, pull out a reasonable serving, then put the rest back in the cupboard for later.
• Be mindful when going out to eat: Restaurant meals can contain large portion sizes. Rather than order an entrée that may contain more food than you need, you may want to ask a friend if they’ll split something with you. Or you can plan to take half home to eat later in the week.

The appropriate amount of carbohydrates varies from person to person and is worth discussing with a doctor. But carbs can be easy to overdo if you’re not keeping track. It can be helpful to maintain a food diary or use an app to keep track of your carb intake.

Starting out, you may have to take some time to look at nutrition labels. With practice, this will become a quick and easy process and will help you get a sense of which foods are most carb-heavy so you can adjust accordingly.

Also called the diabetes plate method, the idea here is to simplify your mealtime calculations while eating the right foods in the right proportions. Picture a plate that’s less than a foot in diameter and divide it up into quarters:

• Half of what’s on the plate — that is, two quarters — should be low carb vegetables: There are many to choose from, including broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peppers, mushrooms, and cucumber. This can include anything leafy, like lettuce, cabbage, spinach, and so on.
• The next quarter of the plate should be lean proteins: This can include fish, chicken, eggs, shellfish, cheese, tofu, and lean cuts of pork or beef.
• The last quarter of the plate goes to carbs: Carbs can include grains like rice and whole grain bread, as well as fruit and starchy vegetables like potatoes.

You can apply the same proportions and ideas behind the plate method to foods that don’t lend themselves to being divided across a plate, like sandwiches, for instance.

Set yourself up for success. It’s important to be practical because a slow, steady approach to weight loss (a pound or two a week, at most) tends to get the best results when it comes to keeping weight off.

It’s also worth noting the results don’t have to be drastic to meaningfully improve your health. Experts say even 5% can make a difference. This means, if someone at 180 pounds adjusts their exercise and food habits and works their way down to 170 pounds over a few months, the resulting health benefits can be worthwhile.

Talk with a doctor about what weight loss goal makes sense for you and how best to work toward it.

Increasing your activity level can help get your A1C level down for good. You may want to start with a 20-minute walk after lunch. You may be able to build up to 150 minutes of extra activity a week.

Get confirmation from a doctor first before you increase your activity level. Exercise can affect your blood sugar levels, and depending on other health conditions you may have, a doctor may recommend a safe starting point. Being safely active is a key part of reducing the risk of developing diabetes.

Remember: Any exercise is better than no exercise. Even getting up for 2 minutes every hour has been shown to help reduce the risk of diabetes.

Taking prescribed diabetes medications can help manage your A1C level. Medications that lower fasting blood sugars will also lower your A1C level.

Some medications primarily affect your blood sugars after a meal, which are also called postprandial blood sugars. These medications include sitagliptin (Januvia), repaglinide (Prandin), and others. While they don’t significantly improve fasting glucose values, they still help lower your A1C level because of the decrease in post-meal glucose spikes.

Some supplements may improve your A1C level. These can include aloe vera and chromium.

Aloe vera is a succulent that may lower fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C, according to 2022 research. However, additional studies are needed to test its long-term effects.

Chromium, a mineral found in vegetables like potatoes and mushrooms, as well as oysters, may lower A1C in people with severe insulin resistance and less glycemic control. But some studies show inconsistent or mixed results. As a result, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) doesn’t recommend chromium supplementation in people with diabetes.

Lowering your A1C levels depends on making changes that become habits. The best way to make something second nature is to keep doing it consistently.

Particularly where eating patterns and exercise are concerned, slow, steady progress tends to deliver the best long-term results.

Sugar from food makes its way into your bloodstream and attaches to your red blood cells — specifically to a protein called hemoglobin.

Your A1C level is a measure of how much sugar is attached to your red blood cells. This can help determine if you have diabetes or prediabetes and can help inform you how best to manage it.

The A1C test is a blood test that screens for diabetes. The test provides information about a person’s average levels of blood sugar over a 2- to 3-month period before the test. If you have diabetes, it can give doctors a picture of whether treatment is working and how well you’re managing the condition.

The A1C test measures how much glucose (sugar) is attached to hemoglobin. This is the protein in red blood cells. The more glucose attached, the higher the A1C.

The number is reported as a percentage. If the percentage is higher, so are your average blood glucose levels. A higher number means your risk for either diabetes or related complications is higher.

Although A1C is the gold standard of diabetes diagnosis, many clinical conditions can affect A1C, including iron deficiency anemia and other blood disorders that affect red blood cells. A doctor may recommend you take a different test to ensure an accurate diagnosis. A1C can test for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but not for gestational diabetes.

If you have diabetes, you still need to test your blood glucose level regularly with a fingerstick glucose test. Because the A1C measures an average, it may not capture intense highs and lows on its own.

Some benefits of the A1C test include:

• It doesn’t require fasting.
• It gives an average of blood sugar levels over a period of weeks to months.
• It can be done at any time of the day.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, A1C measurements can indicate whether you have diabetes or prediabetes.

Having prediabetes puts you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Within the prediabetes range, having a higher percentage increases your risk of developing diabetes. But you can take steps to prevent or delay developing diabetes. If you test positive for prediabetes, a doctor may recommend retesting each year.

If you have received a diagnosis of diabetes, having a higher percentage can increase your risk of diabetes complications.

If you receive a diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes, a doctor may prescribe a home monitor to allow you to test your blood sugar. Be sure to talk with them about what to do if the results are too high or too low for you.

It’s important to talk with a doctor about what steps you can take to help lower your A1C levels. They can help you set and monitor practical goals and may also prescribe medication.

Additionally, a doctor may connect you with a dietician who can help you better understand the nutrition component of lowering your A1C levels. They can also help determine the best ways to adjust your diet and habits around food in health-promoting, practical ways.

The A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over a period of weeks to months.

You may be able to lower your A1C level by eating a nutritious diet with controlled portion sizes and getting regular exercise. Doctors may recommend medication for some people.

Reduce your A1C levels: Lifestyle, diet, and nutrition

An A1C blood test measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. Tips for lowering A1C levels include dietary choices and exercise, as well as monitoring blood glucose regularly and following the treatment plan agreed with a doctor.

The A1C test, which some people may also call the hemoglobin A1C, HbA1C, glycated hemoglobin, or glycohemoglobin test, measures the amount of sugar attached to hemoglobin in the blood. A doctor can use it to monitor diabetes and as a diagnostic tool for the condition.

If a person’s A1C levels are too high, it suggests their blood sugar levels are too high. When blood sugar levels are too high for a long period of time, this can result in health complications.

By incorporating lifestyle behaviors, such as regular exercise, a varied eating plan, and following their diabetes treatment plan, a person may lower their blood sugar. This will lower their A1C percentage and reduce the likelihood of potential health problems.

In this article, we will discuss why it is important to maintain healthy A1C levels.

The A1C test refers to a blood test that measures a person’s average blood glucose levels over the past 3 months. It shows the average percentage of sugar-bound hemoglobin in a blood sample.

A doctor can use the A1C test to not only help diagnose diabetes but also to determine how well a person with diabetes is managing the condition.

When glucose enters the blood, it binds to a red blood cell (RBC) protein called hemoglobin. This protein is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. The resulting compound is known as glycosylated hemoglobin.

Doctors call the test an A1C test because roughly 95–98% of the hemoglobin present in the body is type A1. Type A1 hemoglobin has subtypes, such as A1C. As this is the most abundant subtype, a doctor can use it as a good marker for glucose control.

How does a doctor calculate A1C?

The A1C test estimates the average blood glucose level over the past 3 months. The test can measure this by identifying the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin in the blood. The test measures this period because RBCs typically live for about 3 months.

As such, this timeframe can reflect how much sugar the RBCs had exposure to during that period.

If more glucose is present in the blood, that means more is available to attach to hemoglobin. A high percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin indicates a person had high blood sugar during the past 3 months. This can suggest that the individual is not effectively managing their blood sugar.

Many studies have shown that lowering A1C levels can help slow the progression of diabetes and reduce the risk of complications — such as nerve damage and cardiovascular disease — in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

When it comes to an A1C target range, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Many factors, including the type of diabetes and general health, can impact an A1C goal. A person can discuss a suitable target with their diabetes healthcare team.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) notes that the goal for most adults living with diabetes is an A1C of less than 7%. Many strategies, such as physical activity, diet, and medication, can help manage blood glucose levels and, therefore, also A1C levels.

Exercise and lifestyle tips to help lower A1C levels include:

• Physical activity: Current guidelines recommend that adults perform a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate physical exercise each week. People who use insulin or have special considerations should contact their doctor about a suitable exercise plan.
• Routine activities: Housework, gardening, and other routine activities can all help keep a person moving.
• Monitoring blood glucose: This is crucial to ensure a person meets their targets and makes any necessary changes.
• Following the treatment plan: This includes the use of medications and lifestyle therapies.
• Weight management: The person may consider working with a healthcare professional to set realistic and achievable weight loss goals.
• Tracking progress: This is useful for self-motivation, monitoring changes, and identifying which strategies work for a person.
• Getting others involved: Lifestyle changes are often easier to adopt if other people can encourage and monitor progress.

Everyone, especially people with diabetes, can benefit from a healthful diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole foods and is low in sugar, salt, and fat.

Monitoring carbohydrate intake can help a person manage their glucose levels.

General diet tips to lower A1C levels include:

• being mindful of portion sizes
• eating regularly, every 3–5 hours
• eating similar-sized portions at meals and snacks
• planning meals ahead of time
• keeping a journal of food, medication, and exercise
• spreading out carbohydrate-rich foods throughout the day
• choosing less-processed or whole foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts
• eating a balanced diet complete with healthy proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
• seeking out the help of a registered dietitian

A healthcare professional will advise each person on their dietary needs, including the number of carbs they should consume. This will depend on individual factors, including the person’s exercise levels and treatment plan.

Nutrition plays an essential role in managing blood sugar levels. Following a suitable eating plan can help a person keep their blood sugar and A1C levels in a healthy range.

Creating a meal plan can be a useful tool to help a person manage their blood sugar. A dietitian can also help with recommending an eating plan. Additionally, people can try following the ADA’s Diabetes Plate Method.

For people living with diabetes, some important trends to incorporate into an eating plan include:

• eating sufficient fruits and vegetables
• eating lean protein
• choosing foods with less added sugar
• limiting trans fats
• eating fewer processed foods

Learn more about food to help lower and control blood sugar here.

A1C test results appear as a percentage. A higher A1C level means a greater risk of diabetes and its complications.

Physicians may also refer to average glucose, or eAG, when they talk about A1C levels. The eAG corresponds to A1C, but it appears as milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), like blood sugar.

Both A1C results and eAG refer to a person’s average 3-month blood glucose levels. People can use a simple calculator to help them convert their results from one measurement to the other.

A person with prediabetes has a good chance of reversing their high blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes from developing.

Read about more tips and strategies for managing prediabetes here.

A1C level recommendations vary between individuals. People with more advanced diabetes will have higher A1C targets than healthy adults without diabetes. Factors such as life expectancy, treatment response, and medical history also have an impact.

A1C value	eAG value	ADA recommended goal for:
5.6% or below	114 mg/dl or below	Healthy, adults without diabetes
6. 5%	140 mg/dl	People with short-term diabetes, managed type 2 diabetes, no cardiovascular disease, long life expectancy
7% or less	154 mg/dl or less	Most nonpregnant adults with diabetes
8% or less	183 mg/dl or less	People with long-standing or severe diabetes, limited life expectancy, extensive additional health complications, or poor treatment response

A1C levels are a measure of blood glucose over 3 months. A doctor can use this measurement to monitor and diagnose diabetes.

An A1C level of 6.5% or more indicates that a person may have diabetes.

Keeping the A1C level within a healthy range can help to reduce the likelihood of complications.

Strategies to manage blood sugar and A1C can include a varied eating plan, regular exercise, and following a diabetes treatment plan.

Glycated hemoglobin, what is this analysis and who needs to examine it? – Family Clinic

Glycated or glycosylated hemoglobin is also called HbA1c, hemoglobin a1c. What does it mean?

A stable connection of hemoglobin with glucose is formed as a result of a special biochemical reaction – non-enzymatic glycosylation. Glycated hemoglobin is divided into fractions, 80% of which is HbA1c. The lifespan of an erythrocyte is 30 days, so HbA1c is an integral indicator that reflects fluctuations in glucose levels over this period of time.

In a healthy person, the metabolism in the body is not disturbed, the glucose level is normal and the HbA1c indicator does not exceed 6.0%.

Diagnosis using the HbA1c study is necessary to detect diabetes mellitus or assess the risk of the disease.

It is very important to diagnose the presence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders at an early stage, when therapeutic measures are most effective and the risk of developing complications of diabetes mellitus is significantly reduced.

Since there are no symptoms characteristic of diabetes mellitus at an early stage of the disease, a correct diagnosis can only be made with the help of a laboratory examination.

In 2011, WHO (World Health Organization) approved the possibility of using HbA1c to diagnose diabetes.

The level of HbA1c ≥6.5% was chosen as a diagnostic criterion for DM. The level of HbA1c 6.0-6.4% by itself does not allow making any diagnoses, but does not exclude the possibility of diagnosing diabetes mellitus by the level of blood glucose.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes:

• Age ≥ 45 years.

• Overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2).

• Family history of diabetes (parents or siblings with type 2 diabetes).

• Habitually low physical activity.

• Impaired fasting glycemia or impaired glucose tolerance in previous years.

• Women with diabetes are pregnant or have a large fetus (≥ 4.1 kg).

• Arterial hypertension (≥ 140/90 mm Hg or drug antihypertensive therapy).

• HDL cholesterol ≤ 0. 9mmol/l and/or triglycerides ≥ 2.82 mmol/l.

• Polycystic ovary syndrome.

• The presence of cardiovascular disease.

In the presence of these risk factors for the development of diabetes, it is recommended to control the level of HbA1c once a year.

Identification of risk groups is possible using simple questionnaires:

Do you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes? Questionnaire for patients

Instruction

• Answer all 8 questions of the questionnaire.

• For each question, choose 1 correct answer and mark it in the appropriate box.

• Add up all the points corresponding to your answers to the questions.

• Use your total score to determine your risk of developing diabetes or prediabetes.

• Give the completed questionnaire to your doctor/nurse and ask them to explain the results of the questionnaire to you.

1. Age

¨ Up to 45 years – 0 points

¨ 45 – 54 years – 2 points

¨ 55 – 64 years – 3 points

¨ Over 65 years old – 4 points

2. Body mass index

The Body Mass Index measures whether you are overweight or obese. You can calculate your body mass index yourself:

Weight_____kg: (height_____m)2 = _____kg/m2

¨ Less than 25 kg/m2 – 0 points

¨ 25 – 30 kg/m2 – 1 point

¨ More than 30 kg/m2 – 3 points

3. Waist circumference

Waist circumference also indicates whether you are overweight or obese.

Men Women

< 94 cm < 80 cm - 0 points

94 – 102 cm 80 – 88 cm – 3 points

> 102 cm > 88 cm – 4 points

4. How often do you eat vegetables, fruits or berries?

¨ Every day – 0 points

¨ Not every day – 1 point

5. Do you exercise regularly?

Do you exercise for 30 minutes every day or 3 hours a week?

¨ Yes – 0 points

¨ No – 2 points

6. Have you ever taken medication to lower your blood pressure regularly?

¨ No – 0 points

¨ Yes – 2 points

7. Have you ever had a higher than normal blood glucose (sugar) level (during medical examination, professional examination, illness or pregnancy)?

¨ No – 0 points

¨ Yes – 5 points

8. Did any of your relatives have type 1 or type 2 diabetes?

¨ No – 0 points

¨ Yes: grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins ​​- 3 points

¨ Yes: parents, sibling or own child 5 points

RESULTS:

Sum of points.

Your risk of developing diabetes within 10 years is:

• If you scored less than 12 points: You are in good health and should continue to lead a healthy lifestyle.

• If you scored 12 – 14 points: you may have prediabetes. You should consult with your doctor about how you should change your lifestyle.

• If you scored 15-20 points: you may have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. You might want to check your blood glucose (sugar) levels. You must change your lifestyle. You may also need medication to lower your blood glucose (sugar) levels.

• If you scored more than 20 points: In all likelihood, you have type 2 diabetes. You should check the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood and try to normalize it. You will need to change your lifestyle and will need medication to control your blood glucose (sugar) levels.

Reduced risk of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes

You cannot change your age or genetic predisposition to prediabetes and diabetes, but you can change your lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing these conditions.

You can lose weight, become more physically active, and eat healthier foods.

These lifestyle changes are especially needed as you age or if you have a family history of diabetes.

A healthy lifestyle is also essential if you have already been diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Drug therapy may be needed to lower blood glucose (sugar) levels, body weight, and reduce the poor prognosis of the disease.

A diabetic patient should have their HbA1c levels checked once every 3 months. Thanks to the indicators obtained, a diabetic patient can understand how effective the treatment used is.

Take glycated hemoglobin in Podolsk

globin A1c is a highly specific biochemical compound of erythrocyte hemoglobin with glucose, and represents an important biomarker for the diagnosis of diabetes and the control of blood glucose levels in patients with this disease. Glycated hemoglobin A1c measurement provides accurate and reliable information on average blood glucose over a period of about three months, making it one of the most effective and widely used tools in medical practice.

This test may also be known as glycoeglobin, HbA1c, hemoglobin A1c, A1c, HgbA1c and Hb1c.

Why is a glycated hemoglobin A1c test prescribed?

Glycated hemoglobin A1c testing is a mandatory procedure for diagnosing diabetes and evaluating the effectiveness of blood glucose control in patients with this disease.

The test provides accurate information about the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months, due to the fact that the process of hemoglobin glycation occurs throughout the life cycle of red blood cells, which is about 120 days. The results of the analysis for glycated hemoglobin A1c make it possible to assess the quality of glycemic control and take appropriate measures to adjust diabetes therapy.

How is glycated hemoglobin A1c measured?

Glycated hemoglobin A1c is measured as a percentage of total hemoglobin in the blood. The normal Glycated Hemoglobin A1c level should be less than 5.7%. If the A1c level is between 5. 7% and 6.4%, this means that the person has prediabetes. A glycated hemoglobin A1c level above 6.5% indicates diabetes.

It is important to note that glycated hemoglobin A1c should not be used to diagnose diabetes in pregnant women and people with elevated hemoglobin levels, as test results may be inaccurate.

What if the Glycated Hemoglobin A1c level is elevated?

If your glycated hemoglobin A1c level is elevated, your doctor may recommend dietary changes and increased physical activity. In some cases, medication may be needed to lower blood sugar levels. It is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner for additional research and treatment.

Preparation for analysis

In order to obtain a reliable result of the analysis for glycated hemoglobin A1c, it is necessary to properly prepare. Before taking the test, make sure that:

• The timing of the test must be agreed with the attending physician, as some medications and conditions may affect the results of the test.