How Can People Manage their A1C levels

If you are someone who has prediabetes, or diabetes, or if you are in danger of developing either, your doctor might have mentioned something about your (HbA1C or A1C [haemoglobin A1C] levels. He/she might have informed you that the A1C should be on the lower side. You might be wondering why the doctor orders an A1C test once in a few months. The red blood cell’s life is around 3 months and the glucose that attaches to your cells in that period of time offers the average value. 

It is vital to comprehend that lowering the A1C levels is a slow and steady process. The hba1c test is completely different from a blood glucose test as it calculates your average blood sugar for 3 months. It may take nearly 3 months to spot considerable changes in the A1C. Both these tests offer vital information about the ability of your body to regulate blood glucose.

If you wish to know the steps to lower your A1C value, here are some reliable tips for you.

Diet

Diet is a vital factor as far as blood sugar is concerned. You most likely know that carbohydrates can increase your blood sugar levels. However, your body requires some amount of carbs to operate properly. A healthy tip for meeting the needs of your body whilst keeping carb intake in control is to consume more non-starchy veggies, protein and fruits that have less sugar. This includes the following; 

  • Nuts 
  • Legumes, such as lentils and beans
  • Poultry, such as eggs and meat
  • Veggies such as squash, leafy greens, and bell peppers
  • Cheese
  • Berries

Make sure you avoid processed food and carbs such as:

  • Candies
  • White bread
  • Cakes
  • Pasta
  • Rice

As you monitor the blood sugar after meals, you must start seeing patterns in how particular foods affect the blood glucose. 

Exercise

The human body usually produces a hormone known as insulin. It aids the glucose to move from the blood to the cells to be used for energy. The pancreas does not create enough insulin, or your body does not react to it normally if you have diabetes. This is called insulin resistance. It is one amongst the root causes of high A1C and high blood glucose levels. Exercise helps reduce A1C levels by kick-starting the natural insulin activity of your body. 

As a rule, engaging in physical activity is vital, if you have diabetes. It is suggested that you engage in 150 minutes of average physical activity every week, as a minimum. You can break down this into 25-minute segments per day. 

Here are some exercises that you can consider doing. 

  • Brisk walking
  • Dancing
  • Swimming
  • Cycling
  • Housework

Weight loss

Since everybody has a unique body structure, weight loss is something that is specific to you as a person. A study has proved that weight reduction of around 5% to 7% might be more than enough to reduce the hazard of Type 2 diabetes in individuals who are at a bigger risk and have prediabetes. 

If you by now have Type 2 diabetes, losing weight can aid you to reduce the frequency or quantity of your prescriptions. You can make use of the exercise and diet suggestions above to help accomplish your weight loss goals. 

High A1C medications

Medications might be required to help reduce A1C for people with Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes too. However, you need to keep in mind that the medications do not work unless you consume them consistently. It doesn’t matter if you feel fine or not, you are at great risk for severe complications if the A1C levels are high. You must take your medicines the way your doctor has prescribed them to you. If cost concerns or side effects stop you from taking the medications, you should let your doctor know. 

Follow up with your medical practitioner

You need to have clear communication with your medical practitioner when it comes to monitoring the A1C levels and your diabetes treatment. Your doctor might schedule an appointment once in 2 to 3 months since it takes time to notice changes in the A1C. You need to attend the follow-up visits without fail to learn if the A1C levels are in control. 

Manage mental health and stress

As stated by the ADA, stress can precisely impact blood sugar levels. When the body is under stress, it braces itself to either run or fight or from the stress source. The body needs energy in glucose form to accomplish this and so a hormone known as cortisol is discharged to elevate sugar levels in the blood. This makes the A1C rise as well.

As your daily life can be taxing, finding the means to handle and lower stress is important to maintaining your A1C levels. You may take pleasure in calming activities like:

  • Walking
  • Singing
  • Reading
  • Knitting
  • Writing

You can try some soothing activities to find out what kind of stress management suits you. 

Discover a community

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you’re not on your own. You can connect with others who have been or are in similar situations to get support and find stress relief. In addition, you can learn tips and tactics to better manage your condition. You can enquire your medical practitioner regarding meetups or support groups for individuals with diabetes.

If you happen to live with prediabetes or diabetes, reducing the haemoglobin A1C level can aid in reducing the hazard of general diabetes-related complications. Opt for a blood test and follow the steps mentioned here to reduce your A1C. You can easily make a change in your diabetes management and general health today.