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Is HbA1c Level Of 5.9 A Cause For Concern?
Question: Recently my A1C was tested & the result was 5.9. I want to reduce this number - can you offer some suggestions? Both my parents suffer from diabetes - but they have controlled the situation.
1. Can I eat fruit? How often? Which types?
2. How much daily exercise? What type?
3. Can I eat bread? Rice?
4. What should be my goal for my A1C?
Thank you.
1. Can I eat fruit? How often? Which types?
2. How much daily exercise? What type?
3. Can I eat bread? Rice?
4. What should be my goal for my A1C?
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
About prediabetes treatment:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
The HbA1c result you reported is suggestive for prediabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, that means that your blood sugar level is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be type 2 diabetes.
Progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes isn't inevitable.
About Q.1 and 3-- Eating healthy foods, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine and maintaining a healthy weight can help bring your blood sugar level back to normal.
What does healthy food mean? It means eating a variety of foods that contain the right amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, as well as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.
You have to develop an eating plan with a dietitian who will calculate the amounts of each food group depend on the number of calories you need, which, in turn, depends on your age, gender, size, and activity.
Together you can develop an eating plan that is best for you.
2. Regarding physical activity, I usually recommend in my patients aerobic exercise (brisk walking, swimming, dancing etc) 30 min/day, 5 days/week.
4. The HbA1c level aim is under 6%, but the above-mentioned recommendations are to prevent Diabetes for some years.
Hope the information will help. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
About prediabetes treatment:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
The HbA1c result you reported is suggestive for prediabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, that means that your blood sugar level is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be type 2 diabetes.
Progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes isn't inevitable.
About Q.1 and 3-- Eating healthy foods, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine and maintaining a healthy weight can help bring your blood sugar level back to normal.
What does healthy food mean? It means eating a variety of foods that contain the right amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, as well as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.
You have to develop an eating plan with a dietitian who will calculate the amounts of each food group depend on the number of calories you need, which, in turn, depends on your age, gender, size, and activity.
Together you can develop an eating plan that is best for you.
2. Regarding physical activity, I usually recommend in my patients aerobic exercise (brisk walking, swimming, dancing etc) 30 min/day, 5 days/week.
4. The HbA1c level aim is under 6%, but the above-mentioned recommendations are to prevent Diabetes for some years.
Hope the information will help. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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