Diabetes Expert Ways To Lower Your A1C Levels

The Hgb A1c test is easy to obtain and full of important information about your diabetes status. Taken from a simple blood test, it tells you your average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months.

Hemoglobin is a protein found in the red blood cells of the body. Glucose tends to stick onto the hemoglobin molecule as it circulates in the blood. More glucose molecules in the blood means more glucose is attached to the hemoglobin molecules. The life span of a red blood cell is about 3 months.

The Hgb A1c test measures the level of this glucose “coating” on your red blood cells as a percentage:

• Normal 4.0 – 5.6
• Pre-diabetes 5.7 – 6.4
• Diabetes 6.5+

If you have diabetes, your goal is to stay under 7.0 or get closer to it than you currently are.

Some see this test as a “report card” or a “grade.” It is helpful, instead, to consider your Hgb A1c result as a “progress report” or “checking in” tool. If your number looks good, keep doing what you’re doing. If you or your doctor or diabetes educator think your number needs to improve, here are a few ideas to consider:

• Follow a balanced diet – whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean sources of animal protein, plant protein, low fat dairy – at every or most meals.
• Be mindful of portions – the best way to do this is by weighing and measuring; the eye and the hand are less accurate than the scale!
• Choose slow steady carbs, not ​no ​ carbs – carbohydrates are the body’s fuel of choice; keep it happy with low glycemic carbohydrates (whole unrefined grains, most fruits, vegetables, legumes, low fat dairy) that “trickle” rather than “gush” glucose into the bloodstream.
• Be consistent with exercise – deliberately do something physical everyday; it doesn’t have to be strenuous or for a long time; just move your body in a way that makes your body feel good. Try walking: no membership card or special equipment needed – and you already know how to do it!
• Consider every decision you make about taking your medications, your diet and your exercise commitment as impacting your health – one way or another.

“Progress, not perfection.”

By DrSteel.org