Dear reader,
At the end of last year, I asked if anyone had topics they had questions about that could be featured in my blog. One of my readers, a family member as it turns out, requested an article on A1C, so this week we are featuring my virtual assistant Nika, who recently became a board-certified nutritional endocrinology practitioner and is specializing in the topic of blood sugar problems which relate directly to levels of A1C.
What is A1C and Why Keeping It in Range is Vital for Health and Vitality.
If you’ve ever had a blood test for diabetes, you’ve probably heard of the term A1C. But what exactly is it? And why is keeping it in the right range so important for your health and vitality?
What is A1C?
A1C, or hemoglobin A1C, is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It gives doctors a snapshot of how well your body is managing blood sugar in the long term. The test works by measuring the amount of sugar (glucose) that sticks to your red blood cells. Since red blood cells live for about 3 months, the A1C test reflects your average blood sugar levels during that time. The results are given as a percentage.
Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
Functional practitioners use narrower markers to catch blood sugar imbalances early, focusing on optimal health rather than waiting for a disease diagnosis. A disease often starts decades before it’s diagnosed. For example, an A1C above 5.3% – 6.4% signals insulin resistance, well before it reaches diabetic levels.
Why is A1C So Important?
Blood sugar is a big deal because it fuels your body’s cells, but too much of it over time can wreak havoc on your organs, blood vessels, and nerves. Think of your A1C as a marker for how well your engine is running. When A1C levels stay in the normal range, your body runs smoothly, and you reduce your risk of complications like heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney problems.
But if your A1C is consistently high, it means that excess sugar is circulating in your bloodstream and causing wear and tear on your body. It's like running your car engine on dirty fuel—you’ll eventually cause some serious damage.
Doctors and researchers are increasingly recognizing how diabetes and insulin resistance affect various organs beyond just the pancreas. Here's a breakdown of how diabetes manifests in different organs and systems, along with the names and conditions associated with it:
Brain: Alzheimer’s/Type 3 Diabetes
Ovaries: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Liver: Non-Alcoholic Liver Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Kidneys: Diabetic Nephropathy
Eyes: Diabetic Retinopathy
Heart: Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Nerves: Diabetic Neuropathy
Skin: Diabetic Dermopathy
Feet: Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Pancreas: Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Joints: Chronic high blood sugar can increase inflammation in the body, worsening conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Understanding how diabetes affects these organs highlights the importance of managing blood sugar levels not just for glucose control but for overall health. Each organ has its own vulnerability to the effects of insulin resistance, but proactive lifestyle changes can help reduce the impact across the body. The good news is type 2 diabetes is preventable and reversible through diet and lifestyle changes.
Keeping your A1C in a healthy range (below 5.3%) is crucial because it:
Reduces Risk of Complications: The higher your A1C, the higher your chances of developing complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, thyroid conditions, infertility, vision problems and autoimmune diseases. These risks are significantly lowered when your A1C stays in range.
Boosts Energy and Vitality: When blood sugar levels are stable, your energy levels are more consistent, and you’re less likely to experience those energy-draining highs and lows. This can lead to better mood, improved focus, and overall vitality.
Helps with Weight Management: Keeping your blood sugar levels in check helps prevent cravings, binge eating, and the blood sugar rollercoaster that can lead to weight gain, especially in people with insulin resistance.
Supports Longevity: Studies show that people with well-controlled blood sugar tend to live longer, healthier lives with a reduced risk of chronic illnesses. Essentially, managing your A1C well today sets you up for a more vibrant future.
How Can You Keep Your A1C in Range?
The good news is that A1C levels can be managed through healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some key strategies:
Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, fiber-rich vegetables, dark leafy greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed sugar and refined carbs. Limit 'naturally sweet' foods like fruit and honey, yes unfortunately your blood sugar still spikes after eating these 'natural' foods if you have insulin resistance.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively, which can lower your blood sugar levels. Muscle training in particular helps lower A1C by increasing insulin sensitivity, allowing muscles to use glucose more effectively, and reducing blood sugar levels.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can spike blood sugar levels. Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help.
Monitor Blood Sugar: Keep an eye on your daily blood sugar levels to understand how your body responds to certain foods and activities. The easiest way to do that is by wearing a Continuous Glugose monitor aka CGM. There are lots of companies that sell them now without a prescription, such as Linx and Thea.
Supplementation: "You can't out-supplement a bad diet." However, a lot of people with insulin resistance tend to be deficient in certain vitamins. More on that in our next blog.
Detox / Metabolic reset protocols: There are many programs and books to heal the insulin receptors. The body is designed to heal if you take away inflammation!
Bottom Line.
A1C is a critical indicator of your long-term blood sugar control and metabolic health. Keeping it in range is essential for preventing serious complications, boosting your energy, and living a healthier, longer life. Through diet and exercise, keeping those levels steady is one of the best things you can do for your health and vitality.
Thanks for reading and please reach out to both of us if you have questions,
Nika
As always, here's to your best health...Dr. Linda
FUN FACT
January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. He’s often depicted with two faces—one looking back at the past year and the other looking forward to the new one. Perfect for that "new year, new you" vibe!
Dr. Linda Berry Healing Arts Chiropractic Nutrition Trauma Healing
Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice before you begin taking new supplements. You are responsible for all of the health choices you make.
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