Managing Diabetes: Know Your A1C, Know Your Health

From princewilliamliving.com

Provided by UVA Health

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 38 million American adults have diabetes, and nearly 100 million more are classified as prediabetic. Whether you’ve already been diagnosed, are at risk, or simply want to gain a better picture of your overall health, knowing your A1C – the key measure of your average blood sugar control – is one of the most critical things you can do. 

“Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body mistakenly attacks the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. It is typically diagnosed at an early age and requires insulin because the pancreas is no longer able to produce insulin,” explains Catherine Wied, FNP, a family nurse practitioner with UVA Health Internal Medicine Manassas. “Type 2 diabetes usually develops later in life and is driven by a combination of lifestyle factors, genetics, obesity, and sedentary habits.” 

Know Your Numbers 

Wied says the haemoglobin A1C test, which measures the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months, is the “gold standard” for diagnosing and managing diabetes. “An A1C between 5.7 and 6.4 indicates prediabetes,” she says. “Once it’s 6.5 or higher, you become a Type 2 diabetic. The goal for people with diabetes is to keep their A1C below 7, which is considered under control.” 

Type 2 diabetes often develops quietly. Common warning signs include excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, blurry vision, and slow-healing cuts or wounds. 

“Pre-diabetes is very prevalent in the U.S.,” Wied says. “About one out of three people is pre-diabetic, but many don’t know it. That’s why it’s so important to see your doctor annually for a physical check-up – to know your numbers!” 

 Lifestyle Habits, the Holidays, and New Tools 

For those with a family history of diabetes, awareness is especially critical. “You can’t change your genetics, but you can change your habits,” Wied says. “Keep your weight manageable, avoid smoking, and stay physically active.” 

Lifestyle remains the foundation of diabetes prevention and control. “Physical exercise is the most underutilized medication we have,” Wied says. “Even a 10-minute walk after meals can lower blood sugar levels.” 

Her advice for those managing diabetes this holiday season is simple and practical. “Enjoy family and friends, but focus meals on protein, fruits, and vegetables,” she says. “Limit simple carbohydrates like white bread, rice, and pasta, and go for complex carbs instead. Use the 80/20 rule – make healthy choices most of the time, enjoy treats in moderation, keep your exercise routine in place, and check your blood sugars as advised by your doctor.” 

For those needing more help, new medications can make a big difference. “GLP-1 medications like Ozempic have been game changers,” Wied says. “They lower blood sugar, help people move out of the pre-diabetic range, and often lead to weight loss.”

These medications slow down digestion and help patients feel full longer. “They can turn off the ‘food noise’ in your brain, so you’re not constantly thinking about eating,” she says. “That helps you make healthier choices, lose weight, and, in turn, lower your A1C.” 

Wied encourages patients who are interested in learning more about GLP-1 medications to talk to their primary care physician.  

 Live the Life You Want 

“You can live a long, healthy life with well-controlled diabetes,” Wied says. “It’s not a death sentence. Don’t ignore it, and don’t lose hope. You can manage diabetes and live the life you want.”

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