Oct 1, 2018

What Is A1C And How Do You Manage It?

By Stephen Ross


Being healthy is a necessity for those who have high blood sugar. Staying in control of blood glucose levels is always a conquest. Many times, individuals who suffer with sugar diabetes often go through testing. What is A1C testing may be a question that many diabetes sufferers ask their doctors.

Those with diabetes may perform blood glucose testing at home in order to manage their blood sugar levels. However, it does not give a complete picture of what is really happening. Therefore, physicians may sometimes give a test that measure the average of blood glucose levels for the last two months. This test is called the A1C test and provides a clearer picture of whether or not a person's type 2 diabetes management plan is beneficial.

The ADA(American Diabetes Association) states that A1C tests should be taken two or three times a year, no matter how stable levels have been. Tests are usually performed in a doctor's office and takes only 10 minutes to find out the results. These tests determine if there should be any type of modifications made in the treatment plan. Again, depending upon the physician, they may decide to run the test three more times during the year.

Glycated hemoglobin is measured by measuring the amount of protein in blood cells. When sugar enters in the body it connects to hemoglobin. The more glucose that is present, the more glycated hemoglobin as well.

Normal levels to look out for are anything 5.7 or below. Levels that range from 5.7 to 6.4 will most likely point to pre diabetes. Levels that are higher than 6.5 usually will end up with a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. The goal is lowering A1C levels for a good amount of time.

Goals are different for every individual. Different factors can play a huge role. They can include how advanced the diabetes is, age, and even health conditions. One goal that many diabetics choose is to stay under the 7 percent mark. Anything over this level may result in complications that can be devastating. This can include nerve damage, eye issues, and maybe even the loss of limbs.

Diabetes may take a lot of work in controlling, however it is something that can be managed. The harder an individual works to control it, the better their health will be. Having a healthier lifestyle sometimes means that changes need to made to promote they type of life an individual wants to live.

Lowering A1C levels can start with exercise. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day by doing something that is enjoyable. Just get up and start moving. However, a healthy diet is just as important. Load up on non-starchy vegetables, control portion sizes, and eat lean proteins. Leave sugary and processed foods out of the picture.

Maintain a schedule so that blood sugar levels don't spike or fall. Skipping meals is not good when it comes to controlling sugar levels. Continue to follow the treatment plan as specified by a physician as well as monitor blood sugar consistently. When an individual understands A1C levels, they have a better chance of controlling them, and living a better life.




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