{"id":10059,"date":"2020-04-27T13:00:14","date_gmt":"2020-04-27T17:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=10059"},"modified":"2023-08-07T16:24:38","modified_gmt":"2023-08-07T20:24:38","slug":"normal-a1c-levels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/normal-a1c-levels\/","title":{"rendered":"The 411 on A1C: Normal A1C levels and 15 ways to lower high A1C"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diabetes.org\/diabetes\/a1c\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hemoglobin A1C test<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the closest thing to a diabetes scorecard you can find. Whether someone has had diabetes mellitus for years or if they have just been diagnosed, they have probably heard about this test. Unlike blood sugar meters people use at home, the A1C measures an average blood sugar level over the past three months by analyzing how many of a patient&#8217;s hemoglobin cells have glucose attached to them. The test results keep track of how well a person is managing their diabetes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does A1C stand for?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), commonly called A1C, stands for glycosylated hemoglobin. An A1C test, sometimes called a HbA1C test or glycohemoglobin test, provides an overall measurement of blood sugar control, which gives a better idea of how well a person&#8217;s diabetes is controlled. \u201cIt does this by measuring the percentage of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/blood-tests\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">red blood cell hemoglobin protein<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that has sugar stuck to it and provides a three-month average of your<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/normal-blood-glucose-levels\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood glucose levels<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d explains<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mdmercy.com\/centers-of-excellence\/additional-centers\/endocrinology-bone-diabetes-thyroid\/our-doctors\/marie-bellantoni-md\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marie Bellantoni<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist at the Center for Endocrinology at Mercy Medical in Baltimore. The higher blood sugar levels are, the more glucose attaches to hemoglobin. The results provide patients and their healthcare providers with information on how well their treatment, diet, and medication are working and whether adjustments are necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED:<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/diabetes-medications-treatments\/\"> <b>Diabetes medications and treatments<\/b><\/a> <b>| <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/types-of-diabetes\/\"><b>How many types of diabetes are there?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A1C test<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a few reasons a doctor might suggest an A1C test:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To test for prediabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To monitor blood sugar levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To determine if treatment adjustments are needed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The A1C blood test is not used to diagnose Type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/diabetes\/overview\/tests-diagnosis\/a1c-test\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (NIDDK).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you have to fast for an A1C blood test?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), there is no need to fast before having the A1C test. If A1C test results indicate a person has or might have diabetes, a healthcare provider might suggest one of these tests to confirm the results. The random plasma glucose test, which does not require fasting, can also be used. If the results are borderline or if the results of the different tests do not match, a doctor might suggest repeating the test in several weeks or months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How accurate are A1C tests?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A1C levels rise well before the clinical onset of diabetes, making early diagnosis possible according to the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/care.diabetesjournals.org\/content\/diacare\/suppl\/2016\/12\/15\/40.Supplement_1.DC1\/DC_40_S1_final.pdf\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2017 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). However, blood sugar levels are sometimes not high enough to appear problematic in the early stages of diabetes. Testing environments, such as temperature in the lab, equipment used, and handling of samples, can affect the results. However, this occurs more commonly in the FPG and OGTT than in the A1C test. Strict quality controls and advancements in testing have made the A1C test more precise than in the past, according to the NIDDK. Doctors should use laboratories that are certified by the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP) to test A1C levels. The NIDDK warns that blood samples taken at home or analyzed in a healthcare provider\u2019s office should not be used for diagnosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are some health conditions and situations that might skew the results of the A1C test. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anemia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sickle cell anemia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Erythropoietin treatment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dialysis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood loss or blood transfusions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, the test can be unreliable for people of African, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian descent, people with a family member with sickle cell anemia, and those with thalassemia. For those who fall into these groups, a healthcare provider might suggest a different test or a specialized A1C test.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How often is A1C tested?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To keep A1C levels in check, patients should have the test repeated regularly. \u201cIf the A1C is less than 5.7, indicating you don\u2019t have diabetes, you should have it checked every three years,&#8221; according to Robert Williams, MD, a family doctor and geriatrician in Lakewood, Colorado, and a medical advisor for<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.emedihealth.com\/experts\/robert-william\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eMediHealth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. &#8220;If it is between 5.7 and 6.4, indicating you are at risk of developing diabetes, you should have it rechecked every one to two years. If you have a confirmed diabetes diagnosis, and your blood sugar is well-controlled, you should have an A1C test every six months. If you already have diabetes and your medications change, or your blood sugar is not well-controlled, you should have an A1C test every three months.&#8221;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Normal A1C levels<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are some general guidelines for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/diabetes\/managing\/managing-blood-sugar\/a1c.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interpreting A1C results<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, there are also exceptions, according to the ADA. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/a1c.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">general guidelines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on A1C levels are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Under 5.7%:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Non-diabetic<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Between 5.7% and 6.4%: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prediabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Between 6.0% and 6.9%:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Controlled diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Between 7.0% and 8.9%:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Uncontrolled diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Over 9.0:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Critically high<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For reference, the normal target range of A1C levels for people without diabetes is between 4% and 5.6%.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a good A1C level?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A1C levels between 5.7% and 6.4% are considered<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/prediabetes-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to be <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prediabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For most people with diabetes, the general A1C goal is to have a level between 6.0% and 6.9%. While it might sound like the ideal A1C target is under 6.0%, for those with diabetes, this level can indicate low blood sugar levels, which can be just as dangerous as high blood sugar levels. If A1C results are between 7.0% and 8.9%, a doctor might suggest lifestyle changes or medications to help lower the levels to what is considered controlled. However, for some people, these levels might be appropriate, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those with a limited life expectancy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with long-standing diabetes who have trouble reaching a lower goal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those with severe hypoglycemia or the inability to sense hypoglycemia\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a dangerous level of A1C?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When levels rise to 9.0%, the risk of having kidney damage, eye damage, and neuropathy increases. Some people who are newly diagnosed could have levels over 9.0%. Lifestyle changes and possibly medication can lower levels quickly. For those with long-standing diabetes, levels rising above 9.0% could signal the need for a change in their treatment plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some labs estimate <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diabetes.org\/diabetes\/a1c\/a1c-and-eag\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">average blood glucose<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (eAG), which corresponds to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/free-diabetic-supplies\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home glucose meter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> readings, allowing patients to understand the results better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why is my A1C high?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As blood sugar levels rise, so do A1C levels. \u201cA high A1C indicates that blood sugar control is not optimal. This in itself is not an emergency, but it gives your healthcare provider a picture of how blood glucose has, or has not, been controlled,\u201d says Dr. Williams.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor diabetes control or a need for medication adjustments might cause a higher A1C level. Diet changes, daily exercise, or medication adjustments might quickly lower an A1C level. Because<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/fda-approves-trijardy-xr\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a progressive disease, adjustments to one&#8217;s treatment might be a part of the process of controlling diabetes. Poor diabetes control does not always mean that a patient is doing something wrong. There are other reasons why levels might be high.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you have high A1C and not be diabetic?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to one<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/care.diabetesjournals.org\/content\/32\/5\/828#T1\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2009 study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 3.8% of people without a history of diabetes have an elevated A1C level (over 6.0 %). This group is more likely to have other risk factors for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that the following groups were more likely to have an elevated A1C level without having a diagnosis of diabetes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Non-Hispanic Black and Mexican American<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypertension<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obesity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher C-reactive protein levels<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A high A1C level might signal that there is a problem. \u201cEven a modest increase in your blood sugar, above normal levels, can increase your risk of heart disease, even when you don\u2019t have full-blown diabetes,\u201d says Dr. Bellatoni. A physician can review test results and talk to patients about risk factors and lifestyle changes to improve blood sugar levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Factors that can influence your A1C test<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As previously mentioned, medical conditions can cause skewed results. These include kidney disease, anemia, liver disease, asplenia, blood loss, hypothyroidism, uremia, and sickle cell anemia. In general, conditions that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3912281\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">decrease red blood cell turnover<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or increase the life-span of red blood cells can falsely elevate A1C levels because they tend to expose the red blood cells to glucose for a longer period of time. Other factors that might lead to a high A1C level include increased age and pregnancy in the third trimester. Alcohol, salicylates, and opioids can also falsely elevate A1C levels, but their mechanism for doing this is uncertain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anemia due to acute or chronic blood loss can falsely decrease A1C levels by decreasing the amount of hemoglobin available to attach to glucose in the body. Splenomegaly, or the enlargement of the spleen, can also cause a false decrease in A1C levels because it decreases the red blood cell life-span. Vitamin E, ribavirin (an antiviral), and interferon-alpha (immunotherapy) can also falsely decrease A1C levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a few factors that may increase or decrease A1C levels. Vitamin C may increase A1C levels when measured by electrophoresis and decrease A1C levels when measured by chromatography. Blood transfusions have traditionally been thought to increase A1C levels due to increasing red blood cells, but there has been recent evidence that it dilutes the blood, causing falsely decreased A1C levels. Pregnancy can cause falsely low A1C levels through the second trimester, but A1C levels can rise in the third trimester. Therefore, A1C levels should not be used to diagnose gestational diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternative to the A1C test<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/diabetes\/basics\/getting-tested.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alternative ways to measure blood sugar levels<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and diagnose diabetes. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting blood sugar test: This measures blood sugar levels after fasting for at least <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/lab-tests\/fasting-for-a-blood-test\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eight hours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/12363-blood-glucose-test\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">normal fasting blood sugar level<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is between 70 and 99 mg\/dL. Levels between 100 and 125 mg\/dL indicate prediabetes, while high fasting blood sugar levels greater than 125 mg\/dL indicate diabetes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glucose tolerance test: This measures blood sugar levels after consuming a glucose drink. The levels are checked at one hour, two hours, and sometimes three hours after the drink is consumed. Two hours after consuming the drink, a measurement of 140 mg\/dL or lower is considered to be normal, a measurement of 140 to 199 mg\/dL indicates prediabetes, and a measurement of 200 mg\/dL or higher indicates diabetes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Random blood sugar test: This can be measured at any time. A glucose level of 200 mg\/dL or higher indicates diabetes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to lower your A1C levels<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt\u2019s important to get your hemoglobin A1C levels as close to normal as possible,\u201d says Dr. Bellatoni, \u201cDecreasing your hemoglobin A1C decreases your risk of having complications from diabetes. Even if you cannot get your A1C back to the normal range, any improvement lowers your risk of diabetes complications.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes tracking and treatment<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Follow your diabetes treatment plan:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Understand the treatment plan before leaving the healthcare provider&#8217;s office and discuss barriers (emotional, physical, financial) that could prevent you from following the program. Attend all follow-up visits.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Consistently take prescribed medications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If a healthcare provider has prescribed medications to reduce blood sugar levels, take them regularly. Some people only take medication when they aren\u2019t feeling well, but these medications don\u2019t work unless taken consistently.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Monitor and track blood sugar:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Regular blood sugar monitoring is the most important step in diabetes management, according to the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/diabetes\/managing\/managing-blood-sugar\/bloodglucosemonitoring.html\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Healthcare providers can inform patients of different types of meters and help patients find the best one for them. Providers can also tell patients how often to check their blood sugar and what their target blood sugar range is. Keep a log of your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/normal-blood-glucose-levels\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood sugar levels<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to look for patterns and triggers for blood sugar spikes and lows. If you wear a continuous glucose monitor, you can use the data that it tracks. Learning what causes blood sugar to rise or decrease can help you create a plan to keep it consistent.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/reverse-diabetes\/\"><b>Can you reverse diabetes?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diet changes<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Weight loss:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You might not need to lose as much weight as you think. A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1111\/dme.14122\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study published in 2019<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that people with Type 2 diabetes who reduced their body weight by 10% within five years of their diagnosis achieved remission from the disease. Work with a healthcare provider to come up with a weight loss goal. Work with a nutritionist or dietitian to help create a feasible meal plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Plan grocery shopping and meals:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Eating on the go often involves foods that are unhealthy. Take time to plan meals and use those to create a healthy grocery list.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Don\u2019t skip breakfast:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study published in the journal, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/24311451\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obesity<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, found that people who ate a large breakfast rich in protein and fat helped reduce A1C levels and blood pressure.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Eat a healthy diet with proper portions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Aim for half of your plate to be low-starch vegetables, one-fourth lean protein, and one-fourth whole grains. Blood sugar levels can increase if you eat more than your body needs, so it is a good idea to have a balanced diet. Use food scales and measuring cups and spoons to make sure portions are appropriate.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Monitor carbohydrate intake:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Eat carbs that have high fiber and nutrients, such as whole grains, whole fruits and vegetables, and legumes. Avoid carbs like candy, cakes, white bread, rice, and pasta.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stick to a meal schedule:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some people with diabetes find it best to eat at the same time each day. Certain diabetes medications or<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/insulin-lispro\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">insulin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause blood sugar to drop too low if you skip a meal, according to the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/diabetes\/overview\/diet-eating-physical-activity#when\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NIDDK<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Talk with a healthcare provider if you aren\u2019t sure what the best meal schedule is. A nutritionist, dietitian, or certified diabetes educator (CDE) can help you find the right diet.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifestyle changes<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Exercise regularly:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Both aerobic and resistance training help to reduce glycemic control, according to a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/care.diabetesjournals.org\/content\/39\/11\/2065\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study published in 2016<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Exercise improves blood glucose control, reduces cardiovascular risk factors, contributes to weight loss, and improves well-being. For people with<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/reversing-prediabetes\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prediabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, regular exercise might prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes development.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Keep moving:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Keeping active makes the body more sensitive to insulin, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/diabetes\/managing\/active.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (CDC). Although regular exercise is important, daily activity is also considered moderate-intensity physical activity. Daily activities include gardening, walking, dancing, mowing the lawn, swimming, and even doing housework.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Consider supplements:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> There is limited research into whether supplements and herbs can help lower blood sugar. For example, a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1110093112000117\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">review published in 2013<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tested aloe vera for diabetes in rats and found that it might help. Additionally, a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5954247\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study published in 2017<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found people with prediabetes who used powdered fenugreek seed were less likely to receive a diagnosis of diabetes. Although the evidence is conflicting, a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3767714\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meta-analysis conducted in 2013<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found consuming cinnamon significantly decreased glucose. The ADA doesn\u2019t recommend cinnamon to reduce glucose, and it shouldn\u2019t be a first-line treatment. Always talk to a healthcare provider before taking supplements.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychological adjustments<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use stress management tools:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6015675\/pdf\/JDR2018-1986820.pdf\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study published in 2018<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that using mindfulness to reduce stress resulted in decreased A1C levels as well as increased well-being and general health.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avoid denial statements:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Denial can take many forms, according to the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.diabetes.org\/diabetes\/mental-health\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ADA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Avoid saying (or thinking) things like, \u201cOne bite won\u2019t hurt,\u201d \u201cI don\u2019t have time to eat healthy today,\u201d or \u201cMy diabetes isn\u2019t serious.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Connect with other people who have diabetes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Feeling alone can make it more challenging to stick to a treatment plan. Find an in-person support group or look for one online. Connecting with other people who are in a similar situation can offer support, guidance, and accountability.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, A1C tests measure the average blood glucose levels over <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/lab-tests\/hemoglobin-a1c-hba1c-test\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">three months<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Lifestyle and diet changes take several months before making a meaningful impact.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much can a1c drop in 3 months?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There has been evidence of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7400171\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diabetes reversal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by implementing lifestyle changes, especially in those with prediabetes or those who have recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. While the amount of A1C reduction within three months varies per person, one <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9480679\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">case study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> showed that a 45-year-old male reduced his A1C level by 9.8% within three months by modifying his diet and walking 4.5 kilometers daily. There are different ways that individuals can lead a healthy life in order to reduce blood glucose concentrations. Even small changes in lifestyle can effectively improve overall health.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The hemoglobin A1C test is the closest thing to a diabetes scorecard you can find. Whether someone has had diabetes mellitus for years or if they have just been diagnosed, they have probably heard about this test. Unlike blood sugar meters people use at home, the A1C measures an average blood sugar level over the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":59765,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[10298],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-10059","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-diabetes","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The 411 on A1C: Normal A1C levels and 15 ways to lower high A1C<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Normal A1C level is below 5.7%, a level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and a level of 6.5% and above indicates diabetes. 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