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5 Ways to Lower Your A1C

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The A1C is a blood test that shows how well your blood sugar management plan is working. Here’s how to reach a healthy A1C number and avoid blood sugar complications.

Taking the A1C Test

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If your blood sugar is well controlled and your blood sugar levels have remained stable, the American Diabetes Association recommends that you have the A1C test two times each year. A1C test results provide insight into how your treatment plan is working or might be modified to better control the condition. Your doctor may want to run the test as often as every three months if your A1C is not within your target range.

What the A1C Results Mean

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The A1C test measures the glucose (blood sugar) in your blood by assessing the amount of what’s called glycated hemoglobin. “Hemoglobin is a protein within red blood cells. As glucose enters the bloodstream, it binds to hemoglobin, or glycates. The more glucose that enters the bloodstream, the higher the amount of glycated hemoglobin,” .

An A1C level below 6 percent is considered normal. An A1C between 6 and 6.5 percent signals pre-diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed when the A1C is over 6.5 percent. For many people with type 2 diabetes, the goal is to lower A1C levels to a healthier percentage.

Your A1C goal is specific to you. Several factors come into play such as your age, how advanced your blood glucose is, and any other heath conditions you have. A common A1C goal for people with blood sugar is less than 7 percent. If you can keep your A1C number below your goal, you help to reduce the risk of blood sugar complications, such as nerve damage,eye problems etc.

Making these healthy changes can help you improve your day-to-day blood sugar management and lower your A1C:

•  Move more. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. This doesn’t have to be formal exercise. Find something you enjoy doing that gets your body moving — take your dog for a walk, play a sport with a friend, or ride a stationary bike indoors or a regular bike outdoors.

•  Eat a balanced diet with proper portion sizes. You can load up on non-starchy vegetables, but be mindful of serving sizes when eating fruits, lean proteins, fats, and complex carbohydrates like bread, potatoes, and other starches. Using a salad plate instead of a full-size dinner plate can help prevent overeating. Avoid processed foods as much as possible and say no to sugary sodas and fruit juice. A blood glucose educator or dietician may be able to help if you’re unsure about a good blood sugar diet.

•  Stick to a schedule. Skipping meals, letting too much time pass between meals, or eating too much or too often can cause your blood sugar levels to fall and rise too much. Your doctor can help you determine the best meal schedule for your lifestyle.

•  Follow your treatment plan. Blood sugar treatment is very individualized. Your doctor will help you determine the steps you need to take to successfully manage your blood sugar. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes.

•  Check your blood sugar as directed. Checking blood sugar on your own is still necessary, even if your doctor is monitoring your A1C levels. Keeping a journal of your blood sugar levels can tell you and your doctor how certain activities affect your blood sugar. It can also help determine an ideal eating schedule and alert you to foods that cause blood sugar spikes.

Understanding your A1C levels is an important part of your overall blood sugar management. If you have any questions about your A1C levels or what they mean, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor.

The A1C is a blood test that shows how well your blood sugar management plan is working. Here’s how to reach a healthy A1C number and avoid blood sugar complications.

Tips for a Lower A1C

 

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Your A1C score is a valuable part of the blood sugar control picture, but it is not the only indicator of your health. Someone who has wide fluctuations in blood sugar levels may have an A1C at goal because the average is good. However, these day-to-day fluctuations can lower your quality of life and increase your risk of complications.Blood sugar can be a tough condition to manage. It takes work, but the time and effort you put into it can result in good control and an improved quality of life.

Use Supplement for Lower A1C: 

FENFURO Regular intake of FENFURO can control the blood sugar level effectively. FENFURO is a first of its kind, safe nutraceutical derived from fenugreek seeds through a patented process.  Through its unique scientific process, FENFURO concentrates the bioactive part of plants into a manageable dose, while removing the inert parts such as cellulose. Also, since a lot of healthy botanicals are not palatable, consuming their concentrate in capsule form in small dosage is a lot easier. FENFURO contains a rich variety of saponins and flavonoids. These substances are known to lower blood lipid level and help in insulin sensitization and glucose regulation. FENFURO is the first dual action insulin sensitizer.

The statement and product have not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

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Safe Alcohol Consumption for Type 2 Diabetes

Should you drink alcohol if you have type 2 diabetes? If so, how much?

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In this article we seek to cover the great alcohol debate and shed some light on safe alcohol consumption for people living with type 2 diabetes.

The most important rule, and this goes without saying, is to keep alcohol consumption moderate. Studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption may have positive health effects like raising HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Other studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may even reduce risk of type 2 diabetes. The American Heart Association defines moderate alcohol consumption as 1 drink a day for women and 2 drinks a day for men. For reference, a single drink is measured as a 12 oz. beer, a 5 oz. glass of wine, or 1 ½ oz. of distilled spirits i.e. vodka, whisky, gin etc.

However, excessive alcohol consumption or binge drinking in which a person consumes more than 5 drinks in a two hour span of time for men and 4 for women, can increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Alcohol in excess can further increase your weight, which can lead to insulin resistance making glucose control more challenging.

A person living with type 2 diabetes is free to consume alcohol if desired, however, additional safety measures should be taken. Some alcoholic beverages are better than others for type 2 diabetics and other tips should be followed in order to stay safe. The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals living with diabetes be able to recognize and manage delayed hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when drinking alcohol especially if these individuals use insulin or other medications that can cause blood sugar levels to drop. Since alcohol consumption can result in increased insulin production, which can lower blood sugar levels, education is vital for safety.

What you shouldn’t drink

Diabetics should avoid sugary drinks mixed with processed juices, added sugars and artificial syrups, which can add high doses of processed sugars. Such beverages can cause blood glucose spikes and weight gain if consumed in excess.

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What you should drink

Alcoholic beverages like wine, champagne or distilled alcohol mixed with seltzer water or club soda are better options for diabetics. So instead of ordering that vodka cranberry, try vodka with club soda with a squeeze of lime.

Drink with food

Should you decide to consume alcohol occasionally, never drink on an empty stomach. Have your drink with a meal or eat right before you drink to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Your food should include carbohydrates so that some glucose will be in your system when you drink, lowering your risk of hypoglycemia. Feel free to consume as many carbohydrates as you need while drinking and never replace food with alcohol or count alcohol as part of your daily intake of carbohydrates.

If you are taking insulin or other medications that can lower blood sugar, prepare ahead of time and have some snacks on hand. Meals can have a delayed reaction in the body so snacks can come in handy. This can come in the form of a piece of whole grain toast, an apple or a bowl of oats with berries. These foods have also shown to help type 2 diabetics manage blood glucose and weight.

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Drink with water

If you think you might drink more than 1 or 2 alcoholic beverages in a single night, drink a glass water or club soda in between each drink. The more hydrated you are, the less alcohol you will drink.

Wear your medical ID

Wearing your medical ID at all times is ideal in case of a medical emergency health professionals will know about your condition. However, if you prefer not to wear your medical ID wherever you go, at the very least wear it while you drink.

The most important rule to follow when drinking as a diabetic is to put your safety first.

Monitor blood sugar

In the end, the only way to know what works for you is to monitor your blood sugar more often while drinking alcohol. Even 24 hours after drinking, alcohol can cause a drop in blood sugar.

So, safety first and bottoms up.

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Recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and struggling to manage it? Start with a healthful supplement that can help manage blood sugar levels.

Fenugreek is an herb derived from Ukraine, India, China and the Mediterranean region. Studies suggest that fenugreek seed extract contains properties that can lower cholesterol and blood sugar. FENFURO contains a rich variety of saponins and flavonoids, all substances known to lower blood lipid levels and play valuable role in glucose regulation. It has been clinically evaluated for safety and efficacy and is patented. For more information visit www.fenfuro.com

The statement and product mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Do Sugar, Alcohol & Diabetes Mix

People with blood sugar know they must carefully watch their sugar intake as part of their blood sugar diet and limit their alcohol consumption. But following a blood sugar diet does not mean you need to completely eliminate sugar from your daily meals and snacks. You just need to be smart about what you eat and keep close tabs on the sugars in foods.

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The same goes for alcohol — if you pay close attention to your blood sugar levels, you should be able to drink a little when you attend a social gathering or are out casually with friends. Here’s how to do it safely.

A major part of blood sugar management involves keeping your blood sugar levels stable. No matter what type of blood sugar you have, this is an ongoing challenge:

  • Type 1. People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin, the hormone the body uses to regulate blood glucose levels. The amount of sugar or alcohol consumed has a direct effect on the amount of insulin and other diabetes medication you must take.
  • Type 2. With type 2 diabetes, you’ve developed a resistance to insulin, but can still produce the hormone. Controlling blood sugar levels can help you avoid having to take insulin or diabetes medications.
  • Gestational. Diabetes during pregnancy means you have high blood glucose levels, which can do damage to both you and your unborn child.

Sugar is a form of carbohydrate that the body quickly converts to glucose, meaning that, when eaten, it has the ability to cause blood glucose levels to quickly rise and create a condition known as hyperglycemia. This is why doctors and blood sugar educators warn people to track and limit the amount of sugar they consume.

Alcohol has the opposite effect. The body normally stores excess glucose in the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen and converts the glycogen back to glucose when your blood sugar levels fall too low. But alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to make that conversion, and researchers have found that the reaction is even more intensified in people who are taking blood sugar medications. If you aren’t careful, your blood glucose level could drop quickly, a condition called hypoglycemia.

These facts don’t take alcohol or sugar completely off the table when it comes to a diabetes diet, experts say. It just means that you need to think about how consuming them will fit into your overall blood sugar management plan.

For example, though sugar can rapidly increase your blood glucose levels, researchers now believe the total amount of all carbohydrates you eat affects your overall blood glucose level more than what type of carb you ingest. If you want to, you should be able to substitute small amounts of sugar for other types of carbohydrates in your diet and still be able to stay on track. Just keep in mind that most sweets contain a lot of carbohydrates in a very small serving and will not keep you as full as the starchy carbohydrates contained in whole grains and certain vegetables.

When it comes to drinking alcoholic beverages, as long as you’re not pregnant, you should be able to enjoy small amounts socially, but you should always eat just before or while you are drinking — never drink on an empty stomach. Women should limit themselves to just one drink per day, and men should limit themselves to two.

When you do indulge, sip your drink slowly, so that you enjoy it fully and make it last. Hypoglycemia can occur shortly after drinking, and the risk persists for up to 12 hours. If you are drinking alcohol in the evening, be sure to check your blood sugar before you go to bed and, if it is less than 100 to 140 mg/dl, have a bedtime snack.

The hypoglycemia symptoms of drowsiness and confusion can mimic the signs of drunkenness. You should always wear a medical alert bracelet if you will be drinking at a social event, so that if you experience these symptoms, health care workers will not dismiss them as being due to drinking.

Women with gestational diabetes should avoid alcohol altogether, though for reasons unrelated to their diabetes. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause physical and mental birth defects. Drinking while pregnant also increases a woman’s risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

If you’re not pregnant and want to make sure having a drink is okay, ask your doctor about any possible interactions with your diabetes medication. You might also consult a registered dietitian to see how occasional drinking, as well as eating sweets, could best fit in with your diabetes diet.

Use Supplement for Blood sugar: 

FENFURO Regular intake of FENFURO can control the blood sugar level effectively. FENFURO is a first of its kind, safe nutraceutical derived from fenugreek seeds through a patented process.  Through its unique scientific process, FENFURO concentrates the bioactive part of plants into a manageable dose, while removing the inert parts such as cellulose. Also, since a lot of healthy botanicals are not palatable, consuming their concentrate in capsule form in small dosage is a lot easier. FENFURO contains a rich variety of saponins and flavonoids. These substances are known to lower blood lipid level and help in insulin sensitization and glucose regulation. FENFURO is the first dual action insulin sensitizer.

The statement and product have not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Manage your diabetes with these essential tips

Eat the Foods You Like

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Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t eat your favourite foods. But you need to know how your choices will affect your blood sugar. A diabetes educator or dietician can help you learn skills — such as counting carbs, reading labels, and sizing up portions — that will let you keep your condition in check while still enjoying your favourite meals.

Define Your Plate

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Use a rule of three to build a healthy, satisfying meal. This can help you lose weight and manage your diabetes by eating more non-starchy foods. Divide your plate in half. Fill one side with vegetables like spinach, broccoli, carrots, or green beans. Next, divide the empty side into two halves. Use one for starchy foods such as potatoes, whole grains like brown rice or quinoa, or whole-grain bread or pasta. In the last section, add meat or another protein. On top of that, you can also have an 8-ounce glass of low-fat milk and a half-cup of fruit.

Write It Down

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Get in the habit of jotting down your important information. Record your daily blood sugar levels to track how food, exercise, and medicines affect your blood sugar and A1c test results. A written record can show you and your doctor whether your diabetes treatment is working and what about it can be changed. Writing down your goals and feelings in a journal might also help you stay on track and clearly discuss things with your health care providers.

Have a Sick-Day Plan in Place

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Common illnesses like colds, flu, and diarrhea can raise your blood sugar. Having diabetes, in turn, might make it harder to fight off infections. Have a plan in case you get sick. Store snacks that are easy on the stomach but can still give you enough fluids and carbs. Check your blood sugar more often. Also, know when to check for ketones and when to call your doctor. Get a flu shot every year.

Manage Your Medicine Cabinet

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If you take pills or injections to manage your diabetes, keep 3 days’ worth of your medicines and supplies on hand in case of an emergency. Also keep a list of everything you take. Since some of your diabetes drugs might affect other medicines — even ones that can be bought without a prescription — make sure to tell your doctor before you take any new medicine. And always take your list to your regular doctor and dental appointments.

Use Supplement for Blood sugar

FENFURO Regular intake of FENFURO can control the blood sugar level effectively. FENFURO is a first of its kind, safe nutraceutical derived from fenugreek seeds through a patented process.  Through its unique scientific process, FENFURO concentrates the bioactive part of plants into a manageable dose, while removing the inert parts such as cellulose. Also, since a lot of healthy botanicals are not palatable, consuming their concentrate in capsule form in small dosage is a lot easier. FENFURO contains a rich variety of saponins and flavonoids. These substances are known to lower blood lipid level and help in insulin sensitization and glucose regulation. FENFURO is the first dual action insulin sensitizer.

Get Active to Fight Everyday Stress

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Living with diabetes can make you sad or unhappy at times. Stress not only affects your mood, but it can raise your blood sugar, too. Stress might also cause you to make poor food choices. But an easy way to feel better from everyday stress is to get active. Being active raises the levels of chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. If you don’t want to exercise in a gym, join a sports team or take dance lessons to keep moving.

Exercise in Short Sessions

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Three 10-minute walks are as good as 30 minutes at once. So don’t hold out to exercise when you have a lot of time. Moderate levels of physical activity (both strength building and cardio) done regularly will help you control your blood sugar, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, and ease stress.

Try Strength Workouts

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You can benefit from all kinds of exercise. But training with weights or other resistance equipment might help you prevent muscle loss. (Lost muscle often leads to more fat.) Several studies suggest that strength training — lifting weights, for example — improves how your body uses insulin and sugar. Of course, regular strength training can also improve your muscle mass and help you lose weight, too.

Check Your Feet Every Night

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Use a hand mirror or ask someone to help you look for cuts, swelling, or color changes on your feet. Don’t forget to look between your toes, too. If you see unhealed cuts or broken skin, call your doctor right away. Make foot care part of your daily routine: Wash and moisturize your feet, and trim your toenails as needed. Talk to your doctor about treating corns or calluses. Have him check your feet during every visit.

Choose a Date to Quit Smoking

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If you smoke, pick a date to quit. That gives you the chance to prepare for it. You might need help beating the mental and physical parts of nicotine addiction. Stop-smoking programs, support groups, and wellness centers can offer professional help. Whether you quit cold turkey or use other treatments to help you kick the habit, having time to prepare for it might boost your chances of success.

Drink Alcohol Only With Food

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Your doctor might say it’s OK for you to have an occasional drink. If you drink, have alcohol only when you can eat something along with it, because alcohol can cause low blood sugar. Also, have some water handy in case you get thirsty. Mixed drinks can raise your blood sugar if you use juice or a regular soda as your mixer. Women should have no more than one alcoholic drink per day, and men no more than two a day.

The statement and product have not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.