An A1C test measures the average amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood over the past three months. The higher the percentage, the higher your blood glucose levels have been, on average. If you’ve had gestational diabetes, your health care provider will likely check your blood sugar levels at least once every three years. Based on the research, taking a vitamin D supplement will likely not improve healthy people’s insulin resistance or glycemic control. It also doesn’t have too many of these benefits for those with adequate vitamin D levels.
Lowering your A1C levels can be crucial in managing diabetes and improving overall health. While a healthy diet and regular exercise are important factors, certain supplements can also help in reducing A1C levels.
Whereas cardio will lower blood sugar during exercise and potentially up to about 48 hours after exercise, resistance training can increase insulin sensitivity for much longer. It’s not an “even average,” but rather a weighted average, where your blood sugar levels over the last few weeks count a little more than your blood sugar levels from 2 to 3 months ago. While results are still unclear, there have been some small studies about cinnamon and blood sugar that show promising results.
The best way to make something second nature is to keep doing it consistently. Increasing your activity level can help get your A1C level down for good. You may be able to build up to 150 minutes of extra activity a week. Alpha-lipoic acid is a compound found inside each cell in the human body. One study out of 2017 looked at the impact of taking 200 to 400 mg of gymnemic acid.
1. Cinnamon
It doesn’t tell me how much effort I’ve put into managing my diabetes and it does not define me as a person. There are different recommendations for what an appropriate A1c is for people living with diabetes. This does NOT mean that you need an A1c of less than 5.7% if you’re living with diabetes. It means that if you do NOT live with diabetes, your A1c is expected to be below 5.7%. By simply knowing this, people having difficulties with a certain type of carb can choose to reduce their consumption or cut it out of their diet altogether.
Cinnamon is a popular supplement known for its potential to lower blood sugar levels. It contains compounds that can mimic the effects of insulin and improve glucose metabolism. Adding cinnamon to your diet or taking it as a supplement may help in reducing your A1C levels.
Of course, focusing on a healthy diet and getting enough activity is the pillar of good glucose control. Current regulations prevent the FDA from investigating supplements with respect to safety, efficacy, or marketing claims before they are sold to consumers. It is therefore important that health care providers initiate discussions of the use of supplements and provide evidence-based, patient-centered care with regard to their possible use. Prickly pear cactus is primarily used in Mexican cultures as a treatment for type 2 diabetes.
2. Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. Studies have suggested that taking alpha-lipoic acid supplements can lead to a decrease in A1C levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
3. Chromium
Chromium is a mineral that plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels. It can enhance the action of insulin and promote glucose uptake by cells. Supplementing with chromium has been found to help in lowering A1C levels in some people with diabetes.
4. Berberine
Berberine is a compound extracted from several plants and has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-diabetic properties. Research suggests that berberine can help in lowering blood sugar levels and reducing A1C levels in individuals with diabetes.
5. Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those involved in glucose metabolism. Low magnesium levels have been associated with insulin resistance and higher A1C levels. Supplementing with magnesium may help in improving insulin sensitivity and lowering A1C levels.
Before adding any supplements to your routine, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you. While these supplements may help in lowering A1C levels, they should not replace a healthy diet and lifestyle habits in managing diabetes.
