How to Lower Your A1C

What is A1C?

The A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It’s an important indicator of how well you’re managing diabetes or prediabetes.

Why Lower Your A1C?

Lowering your A1C can reduce the risk of serious health complications, such as:

• Heart disease
• Kidney damage
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Vision problems

Steps to Lower Your A1C

• Adopt a Healthy Diet:
  • Focus on whole, unprocessed foods.
  • Limit sugar and refined carbohydrates.
  • Include lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods.
• Exercise Regularly:
  • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
  • Include both aerobic and strength-training activities.
• Lose Weight:
  • If overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can improve blood sugar control.
• Take Medications as Prescribed:
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions for diabetes medications.
• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels:
  • Regularly check your blood sugar to track progress and make adjustments.
• Manage Stress:
  • Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
• Get Enough Sleep:
  • Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Track Your Progress

Work with your doctor to set realistic A1C goals and monitor your progress over time. Regular check-ups and adjustments to your plan may be necessary.