In addition to trying to include more sweet potatoes and yams, people may want to limit or avoid white potatoes and products typically made from them, such as french fries and mashed potatoes. Keeping the A1C level within a healthy range can help to reduce the likelihood of complications. People with more advanced diabetes will have higher A1C targets than healthy adults without diabetes.
Physicians may also refer to average glucose, or eAG, when they talk about A1C levels. The eAG corresponds to A1C, but it appears as milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), like blood sugar. Monitoring carbohydrate intake can help a person manage their glucose levels. Because stress impacts blood sugar, it’s important to find ways to cope, such as hobbies, exercise or talk therapy.
Having high levels of A1c can increase the risk of developing diabetes and other health complications. However, making simple changes to your diet can help lower your A1c levels quickly. Here are some foods that can help:
Legumes are also high in fiber, which helps keep blood sugar from spiking since the fiber slows the breakdown of the foods. Try making a hearty lentil soup or having a chickpea hummus to dip veggies into. Because carbohydrates break down into sugar, they have the greatest effect on your blood sugar level. To help control your blood sugar, you may need to learn to figure out the amount of carbohydrates you are eating with the help of a dietitian. It’s important to keep track of the amount of carbohydrates in each meal or snack.
1. Leafy Greens
If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes — high blood sugar that doesn’t reach the threshold of a diabetes diagnosis — lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of disease. Lifestyle changes can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease. Prevention is especially important if you’re currently at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes because of excess weight or obesity, high cholesterol, or a family history of diabetes.
Eating leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens can help lower your A1c levels. These vegetables are low in calories and carbohydrates but high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Incorporating more leafy greens into your diet can improve blood sugar control and reduce A1c levels.
2. Berries
“We essentially want to avoid any rapid uptake of sugar into the bloodstream,” says Baumohl. Reducing sugar and other simple carbohydrates in your diet plays a vital role in keeping blood sugar levels down, which can slow the progression of the disease and stave off such complications. Monitoring the amount of carbs and sugar in your food is integral to managing blood sugar. Embracing a healthy-eating plan is the best way to keep your blood sugar level under control and prevent diabetes complications. And if you need to lose weight, you can tailor the plan to your specific goals. Some people who live with diabetes use the glycemic index to select foods, especially carbohydrates.
Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants and fiber, making them a great choice for lowering A1c levels. The fiber in berries helps slow down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream, leading to better blood sugar control.
Factors such as life expectancy, treatment response, and medical history also have an impact. When it comes to an A1C target range, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Many factors, including the type of diabetes and general health, can impact an A1C goal. A person can discuss a suitable target with their diabetes healthcare team. In this article, we will discuss why it is important to maintain healthy A1C levels. The A1C test, which some people may also call the hemoglobin A1C, HbA1C, glycated hemoglobin, or glycohemoglobin test, measures the amount of sugar attached to hemoglobin in the blood.
3. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them an excellent option for managing A1c levels. Incorporating almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds into your diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels and lower A1c.
4. Whole Grains
Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal are rich in fiber and nutrients, making them a good choice for lowering A1c levels. These grains have a lower glycemic index compared to refined grains, which helps prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
5. Fish
Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower A1c levels. Including fish in your diet a few times a week can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes and improve overall health.
By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can effectively lower your A1c levels quickly and improve your overall health. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
