How to Lower Your Diabetic Glucose and A1C Levels

When you have diabetes you know that your A1C is a larger snap shot of your average blood glucose levels. This test is a representation of what your body has been doing for the last three weeks to four months. The goal for the A1C test is to have 6.5% -7.0% or below. Follow these steps to help lower your daily glucose and A1C levels before your next visit to the doctor.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glucose tester and strips
• Workout clothes
• Groceries
• Medications (if applicable)
• Motivation

1. The most important piece of the A1C puzzle is your food intake. I know, it is like beating a dead horse and we all hate to hear it, but if you are diabetic you really need to analyze and plan your food intake. If you follow some simple steps you can still enjoy eating but stay healthy too!
   
   1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals
   2. Limit your carbohydrate intake at each meal
   3. Always eat a balanced meal (protein, carb and fat)
   4. Make good food choices (we all know what we should be eating)
   5. Eat to lose weight, weight loss has huge dividends

2. The next part of the puzzle, working out. It is something we all hate but it is a necessity to living a healthy, long life with diabetes. Find something that you love or find someone that gets you moving and keeps you motivated. Ever notice that it is the hardest just to GET TO THE GYM? Once you are there, you get on a roll and maybe even enjoy it. Workouts at home can be fun as well, with just a little creativity and some space you can make your own personalized gym!

3. Medications - many people with diabetes are on some form of medication. Being diligent with your medication and following the directions is a necessity. When you start changing your eating habits and working out more, your blood glucose will naturally drop. Monitor your glucose levels regularly using your tester to ensure you are not experiencing lows. If you do, your medication may have to be readjusted by your doctor.

4. Two things have been found that naturally lower blood glucose and A1C levels. Several studies have shown that eating an apple everyday along with 2 or more cups of green tea lower A1C levels. Over a period of 3 months, a research group averaged a change from 9.5 to 6.5! That was with no other changes to diet or exercise routines! These studies that discussed beneficial compounds, chemical reactions in the body, etc. My loved one that has type 2 diabetes has been maintaining optimum A1C values by using all of the above techniques.

Tips & Warnings

• You'll have challenges or setbacks, just accept them and move forward!
• Don't punish yourself, this is a hard disease but you can do it!
• Look at diabetes as a way to take care of yourself and live a long, healthy life.