A1c pay a huge role in diabetes management, it is a test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. learning how to lower A1c naturally might be something you’ve heard your healthcare provider mention before.
It’s important to keep your HbA1c levels as low as possible because high blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes and other serious health problems. Luckily, you can do a few things to lower A1c naturally. Keep reading to find out!
What is hemoglobin A1C?
The red blood cells in your bloodstream carry a protein that we normally refer to as hemoglobin. This hemoglobin helps to carry oxygen throughout your body.
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) is a form of hemoglobin that is bound to glucose. It is formed when glucose binds to hemoglobin. This is often referred to as glycosylated hemoglobin.
The red blood cell has a life cycle of 3 months and HBA1c represents the average amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood cell over the past two to three months. This is why your health care provider request HbA1c testing every few months.
The HbA1c test is mainly to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. During diabetes treatment, it can also come in handy for tracking progress.
glucose (sugar) that sticks to the cell during the time of testing provides the actual HbA1c value.
How are hemoglobin A1C levels measured?
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months.
This is calculated in percentage and gives you an overall idea of the level of glucose in your blood within this time frame.
The test is typically done every six months, but it may be done more frequently if you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes.
Why lower your A1C Naturally?
There are many reasons why you might want to figure out natural ways to lower a1c. For one, having a higher A1C level is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Additionally, people with diabetes who have a higher glycosylated hemoglobin level are more likely to experience complications from the disease. These can include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
Finally, having a higher A1C level can make it more difficult to control your blood sugar levels. This can lead to more frequent episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
There are several proven ways how to lower a1c levels naturally. These include making healthy lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet. Additionally, certain medications can also help to lower your glycosylated hemoglobin levels.
It is important to work with your healthcare team to find the best way on how to naturally lower a1c. Altering even the smallest part of your lifestyle can have a big impact on your health.
What does it mean for the A1c level to be high or low?
Having a high A1C level can indicate you have diabetes or prediabetes. The normal range for HbA1c is 4-6%. A level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes, and a level of 5.7-6.4% indicates prediabetes.
The right thing to do if you have diabetes or prediabetes is to target a certain A1c level. If after medication, your A1c level is still above risk level, then you need to consult your doctor to make changes to your medication and diet if necessary.
It’s important to note that High glycosylated hemoglobin levels can also result in other health conditions, such as
- Eye disease
- Heart disease
- Nerve pain
- Kidney disease
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has rolled out new guidelines for healthy glycosylated hemoglobin targets in people with diabetes. Concerning your medical history and your current health conditions, your doctor may prefer you aim for less or stricter HbA1c.
The difference between the HbA1c test and blood sugar finger prick
blood sugar finger prick test can help to determine your glucose level right now.
The A1C test on the other hand measures your average blood sugar level over the past three months. It’s different from a blood sugar finger prick because it gives you a more complete picture of your overall blood sugar levels. Both tests provide important about the blood.
The A1C test is important because it can help you and your doctor manages your diabetes. If your A1C levels are high, it means that your blood sugar levels have been high, too.
7 ways to lower a1c naturally
Your A1C levels are one of the most important things to monitor. A1C levels show how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past few months. There are several natural ways to lower A1c, and honestly for most people medication is one of them.
There are a few other things that you can do to lower A1C naturally and these methods have proven to be effective. These methods include:
1. Medication:
It’s important to note that if you have type one diabetes, then medication is necessary. for some people with type 2 diabetes, medication is required.
One thing to keep in mind is that medications don’t work unless you consistently take them.
You don’t want to risk your A1c levels spiking up so high, so whether you feel fine or not please keep taking your medication.
If you are taking medication for diabetes, make sure to take it as prescribed. This will help to keep your blood sugar levels under control and lower a1c naturally. it is also important to let your doctor know if you are having any side effects from the medication.
2. Exercise:
One of the best ways to lower a1c naturally is through exercise. Exercise can help to lower your A1C levels by improving your insulin sensitivity.
Your body produces insulin which is the hormone responsible for transporting glucose from your blood to your cells to use for energy.
when you have diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. This is known as insulin resistance.
this can result in high glucose in the blood and high glycosylated hemoglobin. exercise is one way you naturally lower A1c by kickstarting your body’s natural insulin activities.
If you have diabetes, engaging in physical activities is important. you should at least engage in about 150 mins of physical activity every week. some basic exercises include;
- walking
- jogging
- cycling
- swimming
- dancing
3. Combine cardio and resistance
cardio is an exercise that strengthens your heart and lung. these exercises include running, walking, swimming, and cycling.
You need to combine these exercises with resistance exercises, which include hand weight, weight machines, resistance bands, etc. the combination of both exercises has proven to reduce blood sugar and lower A1c naturally
4. Diet:
Eating a healthy diet can help lower your glycosylated hemoglobin levels by controlling your blood sugar levels. As you already know, carbohydrate is the major contributor to the rise of blood sugar.
Your body, on the other hand, requires a certain amount of carbs to function effectively, which is why you need to keep your diet in check. The best way to keep your carbs under control is to ensure you eat more veggies, lean fat, healthy protein, and low-sugar fruits.
5. Eat the right portion
it’s not just about eating the right food, making sure you are consuming them in the right portion is another thing you need to look out for. especially if you are trying to lose weight, and we both know how important weight loss is to lowering a1c naturally.
one way to ensure you are eating the right portion is by following a meal plan that can help you keep track of the quantity you consume.
6. Create an eating plan
do the best you can to have three meals a day. you can as well add some snacks if that is possible but please try not to skip any meals. aim to eat your meals at about the same time every day, this is one way you can stabilize your blood sugar and control your A1c level naturally.
7. Metal health and stress management
learning to manage your stress is one way you can lower a1c naturally. according to ADA, your stress level has a direct impact on your blood sugar level. when your body is under stress, its needs all the energy it can get to fight stress. when it can get enough glucose to do this, it triggers a hormone called cortisol which releases sugar into the blood. this will then spike your glycosylated hemoglobin levels.
This is why you need to find ways you can manage your stress. outdoor activities can be a fun way to start.
Wrap Up
To avoid diabetes complications you need to keep your glycosylated hemoglobin level in check. You can lower A1c naturally by making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. You can also work with your healthcare team to make sure that your diabetes medication is working properly.