You've likely been able to have your blood glucose levels examined. A simple scratch of your finger and an ounce of blood show the amount of sugar found in the bloodstream. It's a useful instrument for diagnosing and managing diabetes, but it only displays your blood glucose level during testing. If you've not fasted or timed the test properly, this isn't a precise method to determine how your body's metabolism works every day.
Your A1C is the average blood glucose reading over the last three months. Knowing this number can help your doctor diagnose and manage the symptoms of diabetes (and prediabetes) before the onset of grave problems.
Why Your A1C Level Matters
Diabetes is the seventh most common cause of deaths for deaths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of types of Type 2 Diabetes can be controlled by exercise, diet and medications, however the uncontrolled levels of blood glucose increase the risk of heart disease as well as stroke, eye conditions as well as leg and foot amputations and kidney failure.
Around 30.3 million Americans have diabetes, which is about nine percent of the U.S. population. Of the people who suffer from the disease, 7.2 million are undiagnosed. A further 84.1 million American adults suffer from prediabetes, which means they're at risk of developing the condition with no medical intervention or lifestyle modifications. Regular A1C tests can aid your doctor in identifying the condition early, usually even if it's not preventable. If you've been diagnosed as having diabetes, Your A1C will inform your doctor if your current treatment regimen is working.
What the Numbers Mean
The A1C test is a measure of how much glucose is linked to hemoglobin present in blood. The results are presented as percentages. To determine if you have diabetes using A1C tests, doctors use the following scale: A1C test, doctors use this scale
- Normal Below 5 Percent
- Prediabetes: 5.7 to 6.4 percent
- Diabetic: 6.5 percent or greater
It's recommended for diabetics to maintain an A1C of less than 7 percent to avoid any complications.
7 Ways to Improve Your A1C
If you're managing diabetes or trying to prevent the disease, it is possible to control your blood sugar levels through:
1. Exercise
Physical exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively, which means it can better process sugar in the blood. Regular exercise can help lower blood glucose levels and boost your A1C. It also lowers your risk of suffering from heart disease, stroke, and other serious diseases in those with diabetes. Make sure you do 30 minutes of vigorous exercise every day for at least five days of the week.
2. Eat Right
Be careful with sweets and sugary drinks, white bread, potato pasta, starchy vegetables, and other foods high in carbohydrates because they can increase glucose levels. Instead, choose foods rich in fiber, vegetables, and fruits, small portions of poultry, lean meats, and milk with low fat or cheese.
3. Take Medications as Prescribed
Some people manage their prediabetes and diabetes through exercise and diet, while Others require medications. The appropriate medicine dosage is different for each person; therefore, you should consult with your physician to design an individual treatment plan and follow the plan.
4. Manage Your Stress
The body reacts to stress and acts as if it's under attack. To prepare for a fight-or-flight response, the body builds energy through fat and glucose. As time passes, this could raise the A1C level. To ease stress, take time to unwind, spend time with the people you like, and do things that you love. Meditation and other relaxation methods can help. If you are still feeling constantly stressed, speak to your physician.
5. Stick to a Schedule
If you go too long without food, your blood glucose levels could fall to a low level. It's also possible to snack later on, which could cause your blood sugar levels to increase. Make sure you eat three balanced meals and two nutritious snacks per day.
6. Drink in Moderation
Alcohol consumption can result in a drop in blood sugar levels, particularly when you've not eaten or when your sugar is already at a low level. In other cases, it's not a problem. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes adhere to the same rules as the rest of us limit their consumption to one drink each day for women and 2 drinks a day for males.
7. Monitor Your Numbers
When you're diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels at least once a week, as your physician recommends, to avoid dangerous spikes or drops. Your doctor may also advise you to monitor your A1C levels to ensure that your treatment regimen keeps your condition in check.
Diabetes is a serious, long-lasting condition, but by making some changes to your lifestyle and the right healthcare professionals at your side, it is possible to live a healthy and full life.