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What Causes Elevated A1C Levels?
I was recently told my A1C was elevated so I need to watch my sugar intake, but I cannot figure out why it would be: I have been off refined sugar in almost 20 years, I eat oatmeal and walnuts almost every day. I rarely eat white flour bread since I switched to whole grain 20 Year’s ago, what am I doing wrong? Thought I was making healthy choices.
Fri, 30 Mar 2018
Hello,
It seems like you are acutely aware of what a healthy diet consists of. However, an elevated HbA1C confirmed twice is diagnostic of diabetes, prediabetes or whatever the value indicated meaning you do have a problem with your insulin metabolism. We always think of sugar when we think of diabetes but it is more complex than that.
As far as your diet, I cannot comment unless I was to look at a food diary of at least 3 days of typical eating, your health history, your medications and exercise habits. Sometimes, no matter what is done, the diabetes gene expresses itself regardless.
I suggest you visit a dietitian with all of the things I mentioned above inclusive of all lab work and see what can be done about normalizing the HbA1C. Medication may be the most reasonable option in your case depending on the comprehensive assessment.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Kathy Shattler
It seems like you are acutely aware of what a healthy diet consists of. However, an elevated HbA1C confirmed twice is diagnostic of diabetes, prediabetes or whatever the value indicated meaning you do have a problem with your insulin metabolism. We always think of sugar when we think of diabetes but it is more complex than that.
As far as your diet, I cannot comment unless I was to look at a food diary of at least 3 days of typical eating, your health history, your medications and exercise habits. Sometimes, no matter what is done, the diabetes gene expresses itself regardless.
I suggest you visit a dietitian with all of the things I mentioned above inclusive of all lab work and see what can be done about normalizing the HbA1C. Medication may be the most reasonable option in your case depending on the comprehensive assessment.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Kathy Shattler
I find this answer helpful
Hello,
High HbA1c test result indicates that your blood sugars are not controlled, though you are strict in your diet, avoid refined carbs and free sugars.
A long duration of Diabetes as in your case can cause insulin deficiency in the body leading to uncontrolled blood sugars. Kindly, consult a diabetic specialist and modify your medications.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Deepak M R
High HbA1c test result indicates that your blood sugars are not controlled, though you are strict in your diet, avoid refined carbs and free sugars.
A long duration of Diabetes as in your case can cause insulin deficiency in the body leading to uncontrolled blood sugars. Kindly, consult a diabetic specialist and modify your medications.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Deepak M R
I find this answer helpful
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