How to lower a1c?

You can lower a1c through lifestyle changes and certain medications. HbA1c status is classified as follows [

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]: 

• Normal: < 5.7%

• Prediabetes: between 5.7% and 6.4%

• Diabetes: > 6.5%

HbA1c is most often used to diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes and monitor the effectiveness of interventions to manage blood sugar. Symptoms of pre-diabetes and diabetes often can go undetected, and it’s beneficial to know your A1c level even if you’re not at high risk for developing these conditions.  

Here are some lifestyle changes to help lower a1c levels [

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]. 

• Be active every day: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (about 30 minutes, 5 days per week).

• Eat a balanced diet: This should consist of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Choose whole foods such as lean protein, whole grains, produce, legumes, and nuts. If you’re looking for ways to meet some of your nutrition needs, try

  Smart Protein

  to help improve your protein intake, improve blood sugar, and increase satiety.

• Limit certain foods: Cut back on refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and added sugar.

• Consider weight loss: Lose excess weight if you are overweight or obese.

• Follow doctor’s orders: If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, follow your diabetes treatment plan.

Some common diabetes medications include [

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]: 

• Insulin

• Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)

• Metformin

• Sulfonylureas

• Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)

While medications may be recommended for some, you can also consider certain

GLP-1 supplements to help manage blood sugar

. Talk with your healthcare provider to see which option is right for you.