Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects how the body processes blood sugar. Controlling diabetes effectively is vital to sustaining overall health and reducing the risk of complications. One of the key tools of long-term blood sugar control is the HbA1c test. Therefore, it is important to understand HbA1c and its impact on diabetes management, which can help you take proactive measures to optimize your health.
Read on to gain insight into the HbA1c test and five effective tips to lower it.
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What Is HbA1c?
HbA1c, or glycated haemoglobin, is a type of haemoglobin that is bound to glucose. This blood work is a potent tool that measures the average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. Unlike regular blood sugar tests, which provide a record of blood glucose at a specific time, the HbA1c test gives a detailed view of how well blood sugar has been controlled over the period.
Also Read: Diabetes Care: Manage Blood Sugar Levels With Smart Carbohydrate Choices
How Does HbA1c Impact Diabetes Management?
Marker of Long-Term Glucose Control
A high HbA1c level indicates poor blood sugar control, which can increase the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Risk of Complications
Sustained high HbA1c levels can increase the risk of complications, including retinopathy (eye problems), nephropathy (kidney issues), and neuropathy (nerve damage). Lowering HbA1c remarkably decreases the risk of these complications and promotes good health and well-being.
Modifying Treatments
Continuous HbA1c monitoring assists diabetologists evaluate the efficacy of diabetes treatment plans. If your HbA1c levels are outside the recommended range, modifications to medication, diet, or lifestyle may be necessary.
Effective Measures to Lower HbA1c
Balanced Diet:
Choose foods with a low glycemic index, which slow gastric emptying and have a steadier impact on blood sugar levels. Add a rich array of whole grains, millet, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.
Managing portion sizes is essential, as it helps prevent overeating and blood sugar spikes.
Reduce intake of sugar-laden snacks, sodas, and refined carbohydrates, which can lead to a sudden spike in blood glucose.
Regular Physical Activity
Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, helps improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. It is important to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (30 minutes a day) for better diabetes management.
A combination of aerobic exercises (like walking or jogging) and strength training (such as weightlifting) can promote overall blood sugar control.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
Regularly checking your blood sugar levels is vital to stay informed about how different foods, activities, and medications impact your glucose.
Using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for real-time tracking of blood sugar levels can greatly aid in making timely adjustments to diet, exercise, and medications.
Strictly Follow Your Medication Plan
Take medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Proper use of diabetes medications or insulin therapy is essential for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Review your treatment plan regularly with your healthcare provider and adjust it as needed to optimize HbA1c levels and improve diabetes management.
Manage Stress and Get Quality Sleep
Stress at work or home can impact blood sugar control. Engage in stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises.
It is important to get 7 hours of sound sleep every night. Improper sleep routines can affect insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels, making it more challenging to manage diabetes effectively.
Conclusion
One of the key parameters in optimal diabetes management is keeping the HbA1c levels under control, which helps in reducing the risk of complications. Following a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, monitoring blood sugar levels, taking medications as prescribed, and managing stress and sleep can effectively lower HbA1c and improve overall well-being. Moreover, it is essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop and modify a personalized plan that works best as per your needs and goals.
(This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu Ayurvedic Pharma Expert and Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Significance of HbA1c Test in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Diabetic Patients
Shariq I. Sherwani,1 Haseeb A. Khan,2 Aishah Ekhzaimy,3 Afshan Masood,4 and Meena K. Sakharkar5
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4933534/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549816/
