Blood sugar testing at home is a useful and important tool for assessing the progress of lowering the blood sugar levels, on a day to day basis. But the problem is that these tests can only offer a snapshot of the present condition without any long-term information. That is the reason why your doctor might ask you to undergo the A1C test once in two to three months. The A1C is a type of blood test which shows how effectively the diabetes management plan is working.

How to lower A1C levels?
The A1C levels provide a considerable picture of diabetes control even though it is not the primary indicator of a person’s health conditions. An individual with wide fluctuations in the blood sugar levels might have lower A1C levels due to a good average. But these fluctuations can lower the quality of life and pave the way for complications. Therefore, you should bring about some healthy changes to your lifestyle in order to manage diabetes effectively and lower A1C levels. Here are some pointers which can aid in lowering A1C levels and improve the quality of life:

Have an active lifestyle: Make an attempt to indulge in at least a half-an-hour workout for 5 days in a week. This may not be formal exercise but could be any good routine like practicing yoga, swimming, cycling, aerobics, Pilates or playing a sport or a simple walk with your dog. Moving the body plays a major role in bringing down the blood sugar levels.

Eat a balanced diet with measured portions: You can eat non-starchy vegetables to your heart’s content, but you will have to be extremely mindful when it comes to eating lean proteins, fruits, complex carbohydrates, fats and other forms of starches. Opt for a salad plate in place of a full-size dinner plate to prevent eating more than required. Strictly avoid sugary loads and stay away from processed foods, fruit juices, and sugary soda waters. Consulting a dietitian can help you lower A1C levels easily.

Abide by the daily schedule: Eating too much, skipping meals or allowing long gaps between meals are unhealthy practices which you must refrain from. These unhealthy habits can cause the blood sugar levels to rise or fall all of a sudden. The endocrinologist can help you identify the best practices for your condition and you should try to abide by them as religiously as possible.

Follow the treatment plan: Diabetes treatment is one of the most individualized treatment plans, which means that your doctor would aid you to determine what the best plan is for you. You would have to follow every single step to manage the diabetes levels and lower A1C levels successfully.

Understanding the A1C levels is a critical part of the overall diabetes management and keeping the blood sugar levels within the desired range. You should, therefore, make these small changes and continue following them to improve your quality of life and reduce the health complications brought about by diabetes.