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Is Your A1c Higher Than Normal? Here’s What You Can Do.
If you've recently learned that your A1c levels are higher than normal, you may be feeling concerned about your health. But awareness is the first step towards positive change, and with early detection, you may have the opportunity to delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
What is A1c?
A1c is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to sugar. An A1c test is a blood test that measures your average A1c or blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. Other names for this test include “Hemoglobin A1c” and “HbA1c.” The test is used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes. For those who have already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, A1c can also be used to measure how well a diabetes management plan is working.
Why is A1c important?
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For people with diabetes, maintaining a healthy A1c level is essential in preventing complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems.
What’s Considered a High A1c?
Typically, an A1c level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes, while a level between 5.7% and 6.4% suggests prediabetes. However, these ranges may vary slightly depending on individual factors and medical guidelines. Some factors like kidney disease, liver disease, severe anemia, and pregnancy can elevate your A1c levels for reasons not related to diabetes, so it's important to speak with your doctor about your individual results.
Delaying and Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association, small changes lead to big results when it comes to blood sugar levels. So if your A1c levels are concerning to you, here are some things you can do to help turn things around:
Lose Weight
If you’re overweight, losing even 10-15 pounds can make a big difference.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Dial back on sugary foods and drinks, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats.
Get Active
Engage in regular physical activity to help lower your blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Light walking might be a great place to start for you, but no matter where you are on your health journey, there are resources to help you get started safely.
Manage Other Risk Factors for Diabetes
Support healthier blood sugar levels overall by quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol, managing stress, getting good sleep, and taking control of high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Work with Your Healthcare Provider
Talk to your healthcare provider about developing a personalized diabetes management plan tailored to your needs and goals. This could include taking certain medications in addition to lifestyle changes.
Awareness and education about your A1c levels is a great first step to helping you manage or even prevent diabetes. Remember that small changes can lead to significant improvements in your overall health and well-being.
CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS
Sinikka Green, MD
Dr. Green is the Medical Director and a Principal Investigator at Care Access. She is board certified in emergency medicine.
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on Care Access is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Our products and content are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.