Overview
Diabetes, a serious and chronic disease, can result in many complications. However, when properly managed, it does not have to ruin or control your health. To take care of your future and your health, getting tested for diabetes is a proactive measure, especially if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes shows no symptoms in the early stages but early diagnosis and treatment reduces complications associated with the disease.
The A1C Test
This is a blood test for checking for type 2 diabetes. The test is also used to check how well the disease is being managed if one has already been diagnosed with diabetes. It provides information about the average levels of blood glucose in an individual over a two to three month period. The result is reported as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the higher the blood glucose levels. Additionally, a higher percentage value increases your risk of diabetes or diabetes-related complications.
What the A1C Test Measures
A1C is one of the primary tests used for the diagnosis and management of diabetes. It can be used to test for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes but not for gestational diabetes. Additionally, it can be used to predict the likelihood of an individual getting diabetes.
The test measures the amount of glucose, or sugar, attached to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells. The higher the amount of attached glucose, the higher the A1C. The A1C test is groundbreaking because:
- It does not require fasting
- It gives a picture of blood sugar levels over a period of time instead of at just one point such as fasting sugars
- It can be performed at any time of the day
As such, the test is easy to administer and east to use for accurate diagnosis.
Meaning of A1C Test Scores
Values of below 5.7 percent make up a normal A1C according to the National Institutes of Health. A score between 5.7 and 6.4 percent represents a diagnosis of prediabetes which puts one at risk of developing type 2 diabetes within a period of a decade. One can, however, prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. As such, it is wise to get retested for A1C every year.
A score of 6.5 and above is normally diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. If one has diabetes, he/she can reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related complications by ensuring that A1C levels are always below 7 percent.
How to Lower A1C Scores
This can be done by modifying one’s diet, exercise regime, medication and overall lifestyle. If an individual has already been diagnosed with diabetes, he/she should find out their personal optimal levels. For example, those at risk of hypoglycemia may not keep their A1C levels safely be 7 percent.
- Making a Plan
A diabetes management planning worksheet should be used to take stock of one’s goals and challenges. Such a plan helps in answering questions that helps one to discover his/her biggest challenges such as exercise, weight loss, eating healthy and coping with stress. It also helps in setting goals and suggests small steps that can be taken to achieve each goal within a reasonable period of time.
- Creating a Diabetes Medical Management Plan
This should be created together with your doctor and includes medical instructions, emergency contacts, target blood glucose levels, medication list, and instructions on how and how often to test. The best way for safe management of diabetes and for lowering of A1C levels is by keeping everyone on the same page.
- Tracking What You Eat
An online tool or a chart print out can be used to write down when and what you eat. This makes one aware of foods and behaviors that can be changed to reduce A1C scores.
- Eating More Healthfully
You should ideally tale in fewer calories than what you burn, and eat fewer processed foods and saturated fat. Michael Pollan’s Book Food Rules comes in handy: “If it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don’t.”
- Setting a Weight Loss Goal
As much as losing weight is important, no one can manage diabetes with fad diets since lifelong changes are key. Making a change for life calls for a healthy and whole food-based eating plan low in fat and calories. To make smart choices, a fat and calorie counter should be kept at hand.
- Get Moving
To get A1C levels down for good, it is important to increase activity. You can start with a 20-minute walk after lunch and gradually build up to 150 minutes of extra activity per week. You should, however, get approval from your doctor first before increasing activity. Being more active was paramount in reducing the risk of developing diabetes in the Diabetes prevention Program at the University of Pittsburgh. One should always remember that anything is better than nothing. It has been shown that getting up for two minutes every hour helps to reduce the risk of diabetes.
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