What Can You Do to Bring Your A1C Down?

Why Lowering Your A1C Matters

Lowering your A1C can reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve problems. Here are actionable steps to help you achieve a healthier A1C level.

Steps to Lower Your A1C

• Adopt a Healthy Diet:
  • Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Limit sugary foods, refined carbs, and saturated fats.
  • Consider a low-carb or Mediterranean diet.
• Exercise Regularly:
  • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (like walking) per week.
  • Include strength training 2-3 times a week to improve insulin sensitivity.
• Lose Weight if Needed:
  • Even a small weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can significantly improve blood sugar control.
• Take Medications as Prescribed:
  • Follow your doctor's recommendations for medications like metformin, insulin, or other diabetes drugs.
• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels:
  • Regularly check your blood sugar to understand how food, exercise, and medications affect it.
• Manage Stress:
  • Stress can raise blood sugar levels. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
• Get Enough Sleep:
  • Poor sleep can negatively impact blood sugar control. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.

Tracking Your Progress

Work with your doctor to set realistic goals and track your A1C levels over time. Small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements in your health.