How to Keep Your A1c Below 6.5% - 4 Steps That Will Have a Meaningful Impact
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- Опубліковано 24 лип 2024
- I’ve been living with type 1 diabetes since 1997, and have identified 4 key steps that I find make it possible to successfully maintain a healthy A1c.
I aim to keep my A1c below 6.5%, and in this video, I’ll share what is A1c, what’s a “normal A1c “, why we care so much about the A1c number, how to measure your A1c, and the 4 things that I do consistently to keep my A1c below 6.5% - and close to 6%
0:00 Introduction
0:38 What is A1c?
1:07 What is a normal A1C?
2:43 Why is it important to have a low A1c?
3:35 How to measure your A1c
4:16 4 meaningful steps to lowering your A1c and KEEPING it low
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I am a type 2 diabetic and I started excercising 4 times a week and started a Keto diet 6 months ago. My A1C dropped from 9.4 to 4.7 and I lost 55 pounds(update I have now lost 80 lbs). I would highly recommend diet and exercise.
Hi please daily routine diet & excercising my A1C 9.6 I am 2diabetic I want my lose weight thank you so much ❤
wow, that's great. How did you do it . besides exercising.
@@elizabethvasquez1024 you just minimize carbs. Carbs are what make your glucose skyrocket.
Wow!!!
You've lnspired me.
Thank you so much
@@DonaldHeyen What Donald said especially sugar, bread, pasta and rice
6.9 and Dr. said I was type 2 diabetic.
I started low carb and intermittent fasting (18/6). I also did a 3 day water fast twice.
I lost 30 pounds in 3 months
After 3 months my A1C was 5.6.
My just called and said keep up the good work.
I had lots of cheating days in that 3 months where I ate whatever and whenever i wanted. I stopped losing weight at those times. That caused me to water fast to jump start my ketosis.
I am 72, have 4 closed arteries and a new pace maker. Never exercised and ate everything that was coated in sugar and I never met a carb I did not like. Decided I want to keep living so 4 weeks ago I quit !!! Stopped all processed foods and started walking on my new treadmill. Bought it 23 years ago but never used it so it's new for now. 4 weeks later??? I lost 29 Lbs. went from half a mile at 1.5 MPH to 3.6 miles at 3.6 MPH. Getting stronger each week. A1C was just at the line to be diabetic. Now A1C is under 4.9. Hoping that in 6 more months when I go for another Echo the doctor will freak out and say your arteries are starting to open up. It will be worth all of the effort.
Whohoo 💪🏽 Well done
That,s amazing Fred..keep up the good work
You didn't have to put stents?
That's awesome 👍 Good for you. Your health is the most important thing in your life 💯👌
Keep it up
I am a type 2 diabetic and I am glad I subscribed to your channel it’s full of the knowledge I need to get better control of my diabetes.
Good video! It’s so encouraging to hear that you go through the same challenges that I do. Keep up the excellent control. 🙏🏻👏🏻
Thanks
Thank you for the 4 hours after your last fast acting dose reminder! It’s important to watch for those time frames when just doing MDI without an Inpen! Hoping to get one of those soon! Type 1 since March 3rd of this year. Your channel has been so very helpful in a very reasoned way! Thank you!
Glad you noticed that! I hope you can get an InPen as well, it's a great device. And thank you
InPen was a life changer for me. Try to get your Dr. to Rx it for you. Replace once a year.
@@DiabetesStrongI would think you could have gotten off the insulin altogether as you look to be a very healthy weight, etc. Do you have type 1 diabetes?
@@jessiesheldon-huffey1824 yes, type 1. So far there's no cure
Thanks for a great video. My A1C was 5.7 for 30 years. 11 months ago I went low carbohydrate diet and intermittent fasting. The first A1C test under this regimine, about a month ago, was 5.6. First ever time its within the normal range. This video should help me keep in within the normal range. The challenge us carbs are SO addictive, but its better once the cravings diminish.
Incredibly helpful information. Thanks so much.
Since I was diagnosed 4 years ago I follow your videos. You were the first diabetes related video source. Very very helpful!.. Food+ Exercise+ Time in Range is the key to stay a healthy diabetic. Have managed to stay between 6.0 - 6.2 HbA1C. I use Freestyle Libre CGM. Thanks for all your videos!!
Thank you, I'm so glad my videos are helpful. Well done on managing your blood sugars! 👏
Much too high. Have you had your fasting insulin tested? Maybe read Lies My Doctor Told Me
You need to reduce carbs. 6.1 is still damaging . Below 5.7 is the goal
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences!!!
Hi! Just started watching your channel and feel enthused about information provided. Had no one to really tell me about practical things related to my diabetes, I'm 79, type 2 with usual A1c of 6.9-7.0. My general practioner just retired and new doctor not available till August. So I was glad to hear about A1c home test kits. I ordered three from Amazon to see how they work for me but I am relieved that I will be able to test my A1c myself and find out if I need to make adjustments right away. Thank you. Love your delivery and your information.
Thank you for watching. I’m glad you find the content helpful 🙂
Excellent Breakdown of the Subtle changes in Blood Sugar and the power of 1 unit of Insulin. The raised blood sugar at bedtime is a constant reminder to keep track of your numbers. I'm on 10 year of my 2 Strokes and Diabetes 2. It's a challenge to consistently keep track of the changes that occur with eating more in Winter and Holidays and Eating less in the Summer and my limited abilities with exercise being on Rollator and limited time being able to stand.Thanks Again 😊
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with managing diabetes. I am a type 1 diabetic since 1989. My A1c is currently 5.7%. I have suffered a diabetes complication with multiple retinal detachments in both eyes the caused me to seriously consider to tightly control my diabetes. You sound like a nurse to me. If not, you are very knowledgeable about the disease. Again, thank you for sharing. I have subscribed to your channel/postings.
Thank you, and welcome to the channel. Great job on managing your blood sugars 👏🏽 Diabetes complications are brutal, so I’m glad you’re focusing on your health.
I’m not a medical professional but saw a need for diabetes education (from one person living with diabetes to another) and decided to create that. Started with the Diabetes Strong website and now I also focus on UA-cam
Any experience with Benfotomime?
Keep going. Try to get it lower
My A1C is only 4.8 at 70 years old, I've been exercising since 2009, I eat veggie burgers, fruit and vegetables, peanut butter, and only 1 or 2 slices of bread a day
Eat meat!!!
Two months ago I diagnosed diabetes my A1C was 8.6 after that I completely stopped eating white rice chapati which is made of wheat flour and packed juices softdrink and and using sugar in my tea/coffee .. now my A1c is 5.8 and I lose 8KG weight
Than are you cure diabetic
It is to express my appreciation to the well organized information about A1C that I believe will be vital to my diabetes mgt
My advice is small portions intermediate fasting. A nice walk after each meal. Some weight lifting to increase muscle mass. Muscle will eat the extra glucose in the body long term even after you rest at night.
Thank you for sharing this knowledge ❤️ from Johannesburg South Africa 👍💕
So very informative thanks so much!
Thank you
Thanks for sharing! Your information is very helpful and interesting ❤
Thanks
I'm so glad I found your channel. I've been a diabetic since nineteen seventy three. You mentioned that you take a long-range. Insulin both morning and evening.. I used to do that with lantis. I move to to Trasiba, one dose every 24 hours And it is quite an improvement. Just wanted to mention that to you. I have subscribe thank you for being such a great resource.
Thank you and welcome to the channel. I used Tresiba for a while but went back to Levemir (very similar to Lantus). Levemir just works better for me, but I'm glad you're happy with Tresiba
great info. thank you for the effort and the sharing. BIG thumbs up.
Thanks for watching!
Great video..thank you.
Wow, what a great video. Good reminder about the protein, my diabetes dietician, went over too much protein and too much fat can raise my blood sugar, at least that how my body reacts.
Thank you so much
Thank you, I’m glad you liked it
Your videos are terrific! So helpful, my A1C is currently 6.3, and I feel great, it’s a constant battle, but the results are worth the effort!, thank you all your advice ☘️
Thank you so much, I’m so happy you appreciate them. Managing blood sugars is SO much work but sounds like you’ve cracked your code 🙂
Please share your diet, tips, vitamins, minerals, strategy , whatever helped you please!!!
@@SajSajidmk I'm not that into supplements, but do take a probiotic and like collagen peptides. I made a video on what I eat in a day that you can watch here ua-cam.com/video/nFXg_kUMeHM/v-deo.html
Never knew controlling diabetes was so complicated!
@@pamelaminor696 it's definitely a lot of work
Thanks for the video👍👍👍
I am a type 2 diabetic. I lowered my A1C from 11.9 to 6.2. No longer any neuropathy in my legs. I take Metformin, Lantus long acting, Lisinipro short acting. I do intermittent fasting and eliminated all carbs. I also take Trulicity once a week. Thank you for your channel.
So happy to hear that you're doing well. Thanks for watching
@@DiabetesStrong😊😊
Thank you for this video very informative and you present the information very well.
Glad it was helpful!
It took me some time to come up with a diet that eliminated significant increases in blood sugar levels and not get too low. I am hypoglycemic and managing my diet became critical after having fainted after doing heavy exercise and woke up while being loaded into an ambulance. At the haptical, I was told that I was not eating enough carbs . I had been cutting back on carbs to keep my weight down, which I was successfully doing by diet and exercise. I was not taking medicine because of the side effects such as dizziness and weight gain. So after leaving the hospital, I had to make adjustments in my diet to include enough carbs. Eventually, I came up with a diet that keeps my blood sugar levels between 90 and 170. A big factor is that I read that eating vegetables first, then protein, and then carbs, would keep blood sugar levels to rise more slowly and to peak at lower levels. So I eat a large salad before each meal, then the proteins, and lastly, the carbs. But the carbs and grains I eat are mainly almond flower as well as almond milk. Snack on popcorn and a small portion of nuts. Have plenty of energy, don't get hungry.
You are an amazing host I thank you for sharing all this knowledge about getting a handle on diabetes 👍
Thank you so much for this excellent educational video!
Thank you for watching
from: Anchorage , AK ....excellent content ...I am fan of Dr. Ken Berry....your topic / discussion is as important ! ! ! 👍
You are a blessing to us!
Thank you so much. Appreciate it
Very nice observation 👌
Good job in keeping numbers correct
Excellent info…Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Great info!
Thanks
Very sensible advice! Hypoglycemia is dangerous specially for seniors.
Thanks for sharing
So well explained…thank you ❤❤❤
You’re welcome 😊
Get info. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, this was a very informative video. I’m 59 and I’ve had type 1.5 diabetes now for 3 years, thought that I’ve figured most of this stuff out but as you indicate it’s sooooo complicated. Anyhow, I enjoy watching your videos often and always have take aways that I can use. Keep up the great work.
Thank you, much appreciated 😊
@Chris Hi Chris, was originally diagnosed with Type 2, the a while later changed to 1.5. No, have not had gallbladder surgery and don't recall having a virus.
What is a 1.5 diabetes?
@@MB-qp1pt it's sometimes referred to as LADA. It's autoimmune as type 1 but has a slower onset. You can read more here if you're curious diabetesstrong.com/lada-diabetes/
I hope you'll try carnivore. Not complicated at all (maybe start with keto). When you eat the proper human diet (as Dr. Ken D Berry calls it) you won't need to feel it is complicated. Just cut the carbs, get rid of the industrial seed oils ("vegetable oils") and replace them with meat fats and coconut oil. No weighing, measuring, counting anything, It works! Within a couple of months my A1C went from 6.7 to 5.4. *OK, actually? You do wanna count carbs. Keep them under 20 a day and replace them with fat and protein. *If you're just starting out - to avoid keto "flu" make sure your electrolytes are good - Dr. Berry and Neisha have a simple and cheap recipe on their channel.
Thanks Christel - I appreciate your insight on A1c. That was the most difficult thing to get a handle on after I was diagnosed; if you'd asked me back then, I'd have sworn up and down that there was neither rhyme nor reason to my A1c levels.
My sitch is a little unusual - my islet cells took French leave back in 2018, which sent me straight into DK, but I didn't realize what was going on for several days, until I got to the hospital and spent 2 days in ICU. That was the first time I'd ever turned up someplace without having any idea of how I'd gotten there. Well... the first time since the 1980s, anyways }:->
Thank you for sharing. We all learn 🙂
Excellent suggestion
Thanks
Hi, again, Christel. Thanks as always for such pertinent information delivered so well. I have a sort-of related question as we look at measures to guide our lives with diabetes. I have been on the Omnipod 5 pump for 2 months now and have data to compare with my mdi life. For me, I will soon decide which requires more work and is easier on my peace of mind (I am very likely to go back to MDI for freedom and less stress over proper alignment site changes of pod, having another thing on my body and just overall feeling safer with Tresiba in me, plus I am using more insulin on pump than mdi and it cannot seem to get basal/bolus ratio to 50/50. Anyway, I am within 2 percentage points of both mdi and op5 on TIR, but my SD on mdi is a few percentage points higher than OP5. My question, if you happen to know, is: which matters more (the difference is not even probably significant, of course, but I am so curious), the TIR or Standard deviation? And since TIR is pretty much the same for me on both mdi and pump, should I use the SD data and worry that on mdi I tend to have a few more percentage points higher on SD (so I must have a few more extremes within the same TIR). I do still work probably too hard, but am after 2 years of T1D, am getting myself set up to live more freely knowing I have good habits in place. So, I am thinking that as long as SD is not so different than on pump, and even though meal bolusing won’t be as exact with humalog in 1/2 units, I may just enjoy life with shots and a few corrections as needed and carry insulin in me instead of on me. Thanks again for all your help in every area as I have immersed myself in learning! I aim to be more like you and relax a but with this, but I am still a newbie. I am getting there!
I'm glad you're trying things out and figuring out what's right for you. You don't have to be at 50/50 basal/bolus, generally, those who eat lower carb uses more basal than bolus.
I usually focus most on TIR and SD secondly. If the difference is only a few %, I wouldn't worry too much about it, but it tells you that you have fewer fluctuations with the pump.
Overall, to me, it sounds like both ways of managing are equally efficient, so it probably comes down to what you prefer
@@DiabetesStrong Thanks so much! I am going to look at it and choose the easiest. I am blessed to have choices. And I still am sort of perplexed at Basal/bolus percentages. To me, my avg. 119 carbs per day seems low, but I guess it is not. And you are right - both ways work for me so I don’t need to obsess about that set of numbers. As always, thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!
after 40 years of various t1d mgmt techniques I still use Lantus and Novolog pens with a CGM. it's the most portable and lifestyle friendly system still for me. Pumps are attractive for many reasons but cannot be adjusted as easily as the simple novolog injection adjustments. Diet and exercise and sleep gets best A1C results long term imo.
Thank you it was good information .
You're welcome
Thanks, I did not know one could be so flexible with insulin dosing .
Your video was extremely helpful. My A1C is 6.6. I’m hoping your tips will work for me. I’m highly motivated.
Awesome, I'm so glad you liked it. Let me know how it goes
My favorite food was Rice & Beans, would eat 5-6 days a week. Quit cold turkey. Got rid on Type 2 by switching to Meat, Cheese, Nuts, Eggs, & Salad. Have a steak & salad most days, a handful of Pecans every afternoon, cheese & salsa in omelets, salad, & homemade chili . No canned chili because they add sugar & carbs. I assume Salsa is a vegetable.
😂
3 Years ago, in the ICU with a A1C of 12, triglycerides at 2000, pancreatitis. Today, A1C of 5.4, tri's at 190, lost 60 pounds too. No meds needed. No metformin, and no insulin. Just hardcore keto diet. Give up bread, rice, pasta, and pre-packaged "food". I eat meat and a small amount of assorted veggies.
hardcore keto diet can cause thyroid problems 2-3 yrs after starting....
@@joyanderson8646 To quote you: "hardcore keto diet can cause thyroid problems 2-3 yrs after starting...." My panels are absolutely excellent after 6 years of it. The best they have been in 25 years. In addition, my blood pressure is down, lost 60 pounds, my heart rate is normal again, and my triglycerides and cholesterol readings are fabulous. ALL of these factors are those which are well known to facilitate heart disease... which statistically you are FAR FAR FAR more likely to die of than some thyroid disorder. "Can" suggests an opaque possibility, not an eventuality, and does not include definitive studies which demonstrate this as causality. Indeed, many with similar metabolic disorders are able to straighten them right out going completely carnivore... NO carbs at all. Plenty of evidence of that going back the last 7 or eight years. ALL new dietary/metabolic discoveries are resisted heavily at first, for two reasons: 1) Most people and even professionals have been taught to be heavily invested in the old paradigms. They believe them to be gospel, right up to the moment they are finally forced to switch horses midstream. Then they will defend that new accepted paradigm, and denounce any newer information forthcoming. Always works that way. 2) many do not want to accept how well keto works because it would require changes they know they themselves cannot manifest. It requires discipline. So, while they stuff themselves with high glycemic carbs in a completely undisciplined manner (inflaming their arteries, and spiking blood sugar), they denounce those who find it within themselves to stop all of that... hoping that it can be demonstrated as somehow foolish. Human nature at work.
Thanks a bunch very helpful
Glad it helped
Good video, good advice for a T1 diabetic. I am not sure it applies to a T2 particularly if the pancreas is still working. Good luck to you and thanks for sharing.
Dennis Pollock (beat diabetes) provides very good information on his channel
Thank you.
I try to pay attention to my patterns. Walking makes me more sensitive to insulin and I need to careful because I’ll drop low. If I’m dehydrated, I tend to run high. I like that you stress that not all things apply to all people. It frustrating trying to explain this to people.
You have great self-awareness! I think people often get frustrated when they realize that we don't all react the same. That means that there's not one formula for managing diabetes and we have to figure a lot of it out by ourselves
Love your videos! Managed type 1 diabetes for a long time as my children were diagnosed at 1 and 2. Can you do a video on how to support a loved one with diabetes and what mistakes to avoid? Thank you for being a model of hope and success!
That’s not a video I’ve considered, but now I will, thank you. You might like this article my husband wrote a while back about how to support a spouse with T1D
diabetesstrong.com/how-to-support-a-spouse-with-diabetes/
Hi Cheryl, I think something all encompassing like Bernstein's Diabetes Solution would help. It tells you absolutely everything you will ever need to know about Diabetes. Do yourself a favour and get the book.
😅
I was diagnosed last year, I'm 31 and I'm type 1. It was shocking. I measured at a 8.5 A1C but my glucose has concerned doctors because it's been so high all the time. In a years time I've now averaged a A1C of 10.2. Right now they have me taking insulin by a carb and correction scale and closely monitoring with the dexcom G6 for a month and then discuss going on the Omnipod 5. I just started the new scale and my numbers are getting better. I have to take 2 insulins. A long acting one twice a day and a short term one before every meal because of how sensitive I am to foods. My body is super sensitive to food that if I don't take anything, it can go up 200+ points. My doctors frequently check up on me every couple months or even before to check. I have to test A1C frequently which is a pain. But I'm looking forward to the Omnipod and hopefully it will help.
Did you end up getting the Omnipod? I'm 32 and in a very similar situation. I feel like I'm really bad at multiple daily injections and I think a pump may make it easier
@@Quenan19 I decided to hold off on it for now because of money right now, but I plan to possibly going on it. I know and changed from lantus to a novolin n by Walmart bc my insurance would only allow one lantus pen per month. Novolin I can get a wild box for a little over $40 for 5 pens. Lantus always gave me headaches and nausea. But switching helped. Otherwise I set alarms be more consistent. Being consistent does help numbers. But. It’s hard for me bc my body is so sensitive to food and drinks no matter how little or more I consume. I would ask your doctor for a unit by carb and correction chart. That has helped tremendously with controlling my numbers better bc it depends on consumption and matching units to consumption. But omnipod I hear can help. I just find it hard to commit when I’m on two insulins and omnipod deals with one insulin. I have to take two insulin multiple times a day. Long term twice a day and short term 4 or more depending on what I eat/snack/drink of. I’m not sure what you take, but if you just take a long term insulin omnipod would definitely be a good option for you. Otherwise talk to a nutritionist for an opinion. I personally wouldn’t go for the machine one where it clips to your pants bc those usually require $6000 even when insurance covers some. Omnipod is about $150 for starter kit and $50 monthly refill pods. But definitely talk to your nutritionist and look into your insurance on coverages for omnipod. My costs I list are for Bluecross Blueshield through my corporate insurance of my company. Hope things work out for you. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in my problem. You’re probably like me. I’m technically type one but I’m also classified as 1 and a half which is a type. And it’s hard to manage unless your strict in your insulin. As your doctor about that as well. Because there isn’t just type 1, type 2 and gestational. There is also 1 and half. I got diagnosed later in life when I was 30. My doctor said according to studies type one can happen anytime in life, not just child hood like they thought years ago. I found out my dads side had diabetes. So yay me. 😒
Thank you for your video. Funny you mentioned coffee, as I only discovered that recently (and I have diabetes for more than 30 years) while attempting a keto(ish) diet (my version of it) and realised that I respond with a large increase of glucose values after. You mentioned 22 factors. REALLY? would you mind mentioning the less obvious ones? As I would love to know them and test them. Xx
Coffee is sneaky :-) The 22 factors are from a DiaTribe article. You can read the whole list here diatribe.org/how-many-factors-actually-affect-blood-glucose
Thanks your video is great.
Glad you liked it!
Great info
Glad it was helpful!
Oatmeal doesn’t really raise me which I find crazy but eggs do raise crazy right💕 love the video
Thank you, I'm glad you like it. Love that you have such a good idea about what impacts your blood sugars!!
Currently on my exercise bike watching your video trying to get my sugar to drop. Started basal insulin last month and believe I'm heading in the direction of meal time insulin the next time I see my endo. Really enjoyed your InPen videos and will use that if meal time insulin is needed.
Thank you. And I’m so happy you’re doing well and getting the right tools to manage your blood sugars. Hope you enjoyed your bike ride 🚲
Update: my A1C went from 10.3 to 6.4 in the 3 months using basal insulin. Meal time insulin not needed at this time. Best labs in many years!
@@davidp9820 that's great 👏
@@DiabetesStrong Thank you 😊
I think you should try gluconize I tried it and it's good
Nice info
My A1c was 13.1 when I was diagnosed two and a half years ago. I am now at 5.3 and no longer require insulin. Get out and walk!
Well done, that’s awesome I’m very happy for you. Everyone should try and keep active, however not everyone will be able to achieve non-diabetic blood sugar levels through diet and exercise
Thank you for your extensive information. I also have the condition of dawn phenomenon and require am & pm long acting dosages. I need to see all your videos starting from your first.
Im an older lady & not sure how to view all of your videos especially the ones concerning type1. Any suggestions?
I’m glad it was helpful. I’d suggest you have a look at my video playlists (you’ll find them listed on my UA-cam page). The “Tips to lower your blood sugar” and “Become confident about your insulin injections” could be good playlists to start with
Very good
Wonderful video. Just a comment on exercise. Years ago, when I still ran marathons, I investigated how exercise affected my ability to use glycogen and glucose. Just hit the wall once, and you will understand the motivation. Turns out the intensity of the exercise make a huge difference on the way your body obtains it’s energy. When you exercise at high intensity, the body will predominantly burn glycogen that is in the muscles. It will then pull glucose from the blood to replace it. However, when exercise is at lower level the body will obtain energy from sources other than the sugars as well. Hitting the wall, as I mentioned before, is when the body depletes the sugar and is forced to change sources. It hates this. Trust me in this.
I would think moderately high intensity would be better for sugar control than lower intensity. But the latter maybe better for weight control.
I wear a CGN and can watch the effects of exercise. I can watch the effects of other stuff also.
Keep up the good work!
Yes, thank you for adding that detail level. Appreciate it
Bad advice! HbA1c greater than 6.3 will start diabetic retinopathy even before symptoms of diabetes develop!! Better aim lower!🙏🙏
@@sylo3745 various and sundry “experts” rate the levels differently. I am not sure they truly understand what goes on, or how each person executes his or her metabolism. For years, when my doctor was convinced, due to finger pricks in the office, that I was “pre-diabetic, I really did not believe her. That is because my glucose readings did not track with my A1c. Despite glucose readings in the 140 mg/dL range A1c levels were usually in the high 4’s. I got careless and started drinking way too much soda pop. Extreme thirst sent me back to the doctor, although a different one (first one had moved). A1c was 10.5. No eye damage however. Through use of a CGN, insulin, Metformin, and diet change, my A1c has receded to 4.6. I only used the insulin long enough to change doctors, again, and get on Metformin. In 5 months, A1c dropped to 4.6 and I lost 35 pounds. Now ( 6 months later) down almost 45 pounds. Doctor told me to reduce the Metformin dose to 1/4 of what it was, and monitor what was happening with the CGN. Finally gave up on the CGN because it kept giving low alarms. It was generally between 25 and 40 mg/dL less that the finger stick. I suspect I am back in the situation of glucose readings not really indicative of the A1c. Most of the diabetics I know have goals that are higher than 6.5. Hopefully they don’t pay too high a price, but can one really let one’s own body’s desire to self destruct dictate how one lives? Reasonable care is prudent, extreme measures are a fools game!
Thanks for the great comparisons - very interesting. Have you done a comparison between CGM estimated A1C and actual A1C test at all? Thanks again 💙
Thanks. I haven’t done a direct comparison of the CGM estimated GMI and actual A1c. I do find that the GMI tends to overestimate the actual A1c. What’s your experience?
@Diabetes Strong I've only been on Dexcom G6 for about 11 weeks, so I'll let you know... 😁 my next Endo clinic (when I typically do lab HbA1c) is not for another 7 months or so, though... if nothing else, T1D has certainly helped with developing patience over the decades 🤣
Ty!! . . . YOU ~ ROCK ! ! 🤛
Thank you for the very useful video.May I know your initial and latest C-PEPTIDE level.
I don’t know that. I was diagnosed 25 years ago and haven’t kept my medical records from back then
Soooo I started on a pump a few months ago and omg what a life changer!! My hba1c is now 6.5 whereas for the past 30 years it’s been probably around 12!!! But guess what I think my right arm is struggling with mild neuropathy - it feels like hot lava and pins and needles now when my sugars drop below 2 which happens a lot first thing in the morning!!! Horrible DE keeps me from returning to the public health system but I can’t afford an endo privately!!
Yay on the pump working so well for you. If you consistently go low around 2 am you might want to look at whether you should adjust your basal rate from midnight to 2 am
@@DiabetesStrong I actually don’t know when they drop but it must be sometime after that cause it’s when I wake around 7 that they’re low - would you say between 2 and 4 I should adjust it?
@@shaunacohn3205 oh, not sure how I read 2 AM :-) When to adjust your basal depends on when you drop. I would discuss it with your medical team but they might want you to do a few blood sugar measurements over night so you can get an idea of when to make the adjustment
@@shaunacohn3205 not to make you afraid but I've heard alot of scary stories regarding pumps and overinjecting insulin that I've decided to never get one.
Not sure if you've looked into that aspect
@@silverfullbuster9177 nah absolutely loving it have never had a problem there are a lot of things you can do regarding mishandling them so yea you have to be careful but they’re fantastic
I am new to this diabetic type 2 thing I didn’t understand a word you said about anything make it more easy girl.
I was debating if I should make a video where I go over the “diabetes language”. But I’m not sure how many would be interested in watching that. But happy to give it some thought
I heard you say you take a long acting insulin shot in the evening. I"m assuming that's not your only dose of long-acting and that you take one earlier in the day too, so my question is, what long-acting insulin are you using?
Have you ever tried Tresiba? I used to take two long-acting insulin shots per day too, but with Tresiba, I only have to take one, and it's great because it tends to be peakless. That gives me the luxury of deciding when I want to eat, because Tresiba is not really dropping my sugar like a rock.
I do have to say that exercise, a lot of semi-fast walking and bike riding, is also helpful in helping the peakless Tresiba to work well. I've had days where I didn't get as much outdoor exercise, (usually on cold winter days), and the Tresiba hasn't been as effective, but I am trying to keep busy exercising at least while the warm weather is with us.
I posted the above right before you started mentioning exercise, but I 100% agree with you. I feel as though my "insulin sensitivity" is practically zero when I have an unusually low amount of exercise. Thanks for pointing that out to everyone. I only wish doctors emphasized exercise more.
I don't think I've had one endocrinologist emphasize exercise. In fact, one time, when I was considering getting a pump, the endo's office had a dietitian tell me to record every carb and blood sugar reading I had every day for at least four weeks. I did that, I kept the log, but never did the dietitian even ask me, "what is your activity level?" I held off getting the pump, because the dietitian came up with some generic calculation for how much insulin I should take to lower blood sugar, not realizing that I actually try to control the blood sugars with exercise first, if possible, then rely on some short acting insulin if the exercise isn't lowering the reading.
I use Levemir but have used Tresiba in the past (here’s why I switched ua-cam.com/video/zrpkP3Ktm2E/v-deo.html). I take my Levemir in the morning and evening. I like the flexibility of it as it doesn’t stay that long in the body. So I can alter my dose from day to day depending on my activity level and dietary patterns.
If you eliminate all carbs and sugars, and only eat twice per day you will lower A1c rapidly.
Just about 2 years ago my A1c was 10.7, a year ago it was 6.6 and in May 2023 it was 5.8. I fast 2 meals a day 9am and 3 pm I have meals. I hoping my A1c test this November 2023 is down to 5.? .
What do your meals consists of?
Everybody…please ask yourself…are you being good to yourself…are you loving and being loved..these things are not easily talked about..find a way to express your feelings with some one- some thing…and watch your glucose numbers improve… and yes,gotta curb those chocolate malts
Love yourself…you deserve it
thank you
You're welcome
What percentage of time during the 24 hour day we should aim at staying between 70 and 180?
Is 70% to 75% of the time between 70 and 180 good enough?
Because glucose level always spikes for few hours after breakfast and dinner?
According to ADA most should aim for a minimum of 70% in range. But your doctor might give you a different goal for example based on your medical history
omg, I love coffee and it's true, when I drink coffee my sugar rises high. I don't use insulin. I do take metformin 1000mg 2xday.
Great job explaining A1C I learned a lot my Doctor would only increase my Doses
Thanks for bringing this topic, I am currently taking Synjardy Instead of Metformin , 2 morning and evening 1000 mg each time, any comments on it.
Thanks
If you and your doctor find that is what gets you to your target most effectively then that sounds great. Diabetes treatment is highly individual, so I find it important to have an ongoing dialog with your medical team
So how do you lower A1c? After the video i have not seen how to lower, just info on A1c.
Diabetes Strong....do you eat low carb? I'm a type 1 for 36 years and did keto (my weight is normal just did it for better control of bgs). My blood pressure skyrocketed and I gained weight after a month on keto. Just wondering what you do with carbs?
I eat a fairly varied diet so my carb intake fluctuations depending on the day. But compared to the average “American diet” it’s considered low carb. I tried keto a while back and also had an awful experience. I became very insulin resistant and gained weight. Ultimately I stopped (my endo also highly encouraged me to stop) since it didn’t work for my body. It works great for some people, but it’s definitely not for everyone.
I made this video earlier in the year, taking everyone through a day of my life, you might find it interesting ua-cam.com/video/nFXg_kUMeHM/v-deo.html
Good video! I suggest you specify T1/T2 advice. As a T1, I get fed up with all the hype aimed at T2s, claiming all kinds of ridiculous cures.
Promise, no snake oil salesman's videos from me
ACV never worked for lowering my blood sugar but drinking methi water in the morning on an empty stomach for a year now has kept by blood sugar between 4 and 7%. Also, consistently exercising 2 times a day after breakfast and dinner has also helped keep the blood sugar low. I was diagnosed back is 2012. Yes first they practically tell you to starve yourself but I've learned over the years that moderation in they key. Also, with the exercising and the intermittent fasting for just a few month has help reset my metabolism. How I can tell, is that I can eat a full sandwich now without worry. Also, make sure you have at least 1/2 cup of vegetables at every meal if you can. Nothing actually cures diabetes. It is a lifestyle change that needs to happen to keep it under control.
My morning numbers are usually a little high 140-150 range. Can my shoulder pain (facing shoulder replacement surgery in a couple of months) be a contributing factor?
Trauma to the body (injury or being sick) can impact blood sugars. If you’re also taking high-strength painkillers they could also contribute to the raise. If it continues to climb it might be an idea to check in with your doctor and ask if your treatment plan should be tweaked while you heal
Going onto Medicare caused me to have to drop two of my medications (Trulicity and Kombiglyze) due to the outrageous cost. The Doc tried to compensate by adding a medication but my daily readings started to shoot up dramatically. I decided to bite the bullet and go back on Trulicity only to be told that there is a nationwide shortage because of all the people buying it for weight loss and paying full price for it. I finally got the prescription filled no thanks to all the celebrities out there that will pay any price to look good. Haha.
Not all diabetes are equal. I have gotten my A1C to 7.2, and my endocrinologist is happy with that. She told me that the new A1C can reach 8. Myself, I don’t like it that high, I’m comfortable at where I am. I’m finding that internists want their people to be as low as they can get it, while most specialists will allow low 7’s. I look at my Dexcom Clarity to do a check and see where I am.
Just because they updated the "new normal" it doesn't mean it is not damaging you inside. Ideally, 4.8 to 5.6 is where you want to be
Hello sis my A1C was 5.7 and the doc told me I should take med I requested 2nd opinion and the 2nd doc told me no need med but I should be careful so please tell me 5.7 is so high ? I stopped eating bread and went to 5.3 then went up5.5 so what should I do please 🙏
Anything below 5.7% is considered normal blood sugar. So your first doctor might just want you to get lower before potentially taking you off your meds. Regardless of what you do I would still keep an eye on your blood sugars as they can creep up again
I will be happy when Apple puts a glucose monitor on their watch, I bet lots unfortunately will discover they are diabetic. I wish non-diabetics would realize that what food does to a diabetic is the same thing it does to a non-diabetic and that their body just deals with it automatically but over time with poor food choices it could turn into diabetes. I wish someone would have made it more apparent when I was younger and I may not have this, to begin with. I am about to start the InPen and my CGM has brought me from 11.5 to 5.7, unfortunately, it took a double bypass to make me really buckle down but not before I went from T2 to a T1, I love the CGM. I will say to those that struggle with it that if you can take advantage of modern devices it can make it so much better. If you are diabetic and if there is a good time to be diabetic this is it, technology helps. I don't see how those who say 20 years ago kept their sugar down other than just not eating. thank you for a great video.
Thank you for sharing
Agree with you, CGMs should be affordable and available to all to measure levels even if you’re not diabetic. Adding this technology to an Apple Watch would be a game changer.
👋thank you
I've been trying to eat right in avoid eating sweets and drinking 🥤 or ice cream
im 66 and recently tested 6.1 prediabetes after having normal bodyweight and weightlifting all my life. i was consuming way too much sugar. i cut out all table sugar and quicky lost 10 pounds in a few weeks. do you have to eliminate all sugar or is just cutting down good enough? im cutting down a lot and will know if my a1c goes down on my next test.
Most doctors will recommend cutting down and not completely eliminating. The thing is, it's not just sugar that we have to watch, it's carbohydrates. And it's generally recommended that we do consume carbohydrates, just only the amounts that work for us individually
It'd be nice if the reader for sensors would allow us to enter what we eat along with carb count, and the type of exercise, and stress levels or event. PS - a shower always raises my number 20-50 pts.
I'm not sure about the reader but both the Libre 3 and Dexcom G7 apps allows you to type in notes.
And same, a shower will show a higher reading for me as well (but it'll come down quickly after)
For me i have to keep my hba1c below 6 percent. Otherwise my triglycerides become high. 6.5 is not good for me. At this hba1c my triglycerides cross 300.
Yes i l8ke your vdo watching from germany please tell how i can meet you ? As am in germany
A1C meters are available in pharmacies like Walgreens or CVS?
I’ve bought it at CVS but prefer the one from Amazon
Great advice. My A1C is hovering at 7.0....struggling to get it just a little lower.
Thank you. It’s definitely not easy, and a lot of work. Hang in there
Prior to getting covid my A1C was at 7.1 and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't get it to drop lower. I ate low carb (Less than 50 carbs a day) and walked 8 miles a day on top of other exercises. After three months my blood test showed my A1C didn't budge. hahaha!!! I was so stressed about it. Now, post covid I am having a hard time keeping my blood sugars in range. 26 units of basal isn't cutting it anymore. I used to dose 10 units of lispro with meals and that doesn't work anymore. covid made it harder.
@@MH-zg5yw argh, that's frustrating! Not only do you get sick but it makes your diabetes harder to handle in the long run :-(
@@DiabetesStrong Covid does something to the body that isn't being talked about. I have a friend who has Hashimoto's and since having covid she has been having trouble keeping her TSH levels in range. The dosage she was on for ten years no longer works. Her doctor has been perplexed by it as well. They have been increasing her dosage and it hasn't worked for her. Another friend of mine who has been diabetic since childhood has been struggling to keep his numbers in range post covid. he told me this is the first time he has had that problem. he told me he has had to significantly increase his insulin doses. I suspect covid makes it harder to control autoimmune illnesses.
Hi how much range of fasting and post blood sugar can keep A1C below 6? I can’t afford A1c kit and have to wait until i get lab work every 3 months
A1c is an average for the last 3 months so it's challenging to only base it on your fasting blood sugars. But, a good way to think of it could be that an A1c of 6% means your blood sugars on average have to be around 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L)
my blood sugars are running 145mg/dl and spikes high in the morning before 9am and high in the evening. my last test was 8.0. how can I keep my readings to stay steady during the day and night?
@@maryharris2553 If you don’t find the tips in the video relevant you might want to chat with your doctor about adjusting your treatment plan. It depends on what type of diabetes you but some blood sugar issues can only be solved with the right medication
Please comment on 1. Benfotiamine supplement to reduce the spikes time after breakfast and dinner?
This is not something I have experience with