Skip to content

How to Lower Your A1C the Healthy Way: A Type 1 Diabetic’s Guide

    You have diabetes and know you want to lower your glucose levels. 

    Instead of feeling confident in this new journey, you’re overwhelmed by all the information out there about what you should and shouldn’t do.

    Want to learn how to lower your A1C steadily, healthily, and without the overwhelm? Check out these five tips for lower an A1C.

    1. Start Moving Your Body

    You already know that exercise is important for everyone. People with diabetes can also benefit from moving their bodies. Aside from weight loss, exercise can help lower A1C. Exercise also boosts your body’s sensitivity to insulin. 

    If exercise is completely new to you, take it slow. Start out with a walk after dinner or try out a new fitness class with a friend. Find things that you enjoy and feel good to your body.

    2. Eat a Balanced Diet

    You don’t need to go on a crash diet to lower your glucose levels. In fact, that’s a terrible route to take. Instead, start eating a more balanced diet with proper portion sizes. This will be more manageable and will create a healthier lifestyle.

    Foods that lower A1C include:

    • roasted vegetables
    • greens
    • legumes
    • lean protein
    • healthy fats

    You should also avoid processed foods and added sugars as much as possible.

    3. Create a Management Plan

    Wondering how to lower your A1C? You need to create a diabetes management plan that works for you. This may not sound fun, but it’s vital. A thorough management plan would include your current medication list, proper medication instructions, your target glucose level, and any emergency contacts.

    Share your diabetes management plan with your loved ones as well as all of your doctors. This will get everyone on the same page to help ensure that you are caring for yourself properly. Check out this guide to managing diabetes for more tips.

    4. Set Your Weightloss Goal

    When it comes to lowering and controlling your A1C, you may want to set a weight loss goal if you’re overweight. Losing weight doesn’t happen overnight. Avoid fad diets and “magic pills” that promise they will melt the pounds away. Instead, focus on making healthier lifestyle changes and losing weight steadily.

    5. Monitor Your Glucose Levels

    Monitoring your glucose levels is an important tip when it comes to lowering your A1C. You should work with your doctor to determine how often you should check your glucose levels. Collaborating with your doctor will help you know where you’re currently out and where you would like to be.

    How to Lower Your A1C in a Healthy Way

    When you’re wondering how to lower your A1C, you want to always do it in a healthy way. Crash diets are not sustainable nor are they healthy. Start making healthier choices every day to lower and manage your glucose levels.

    Did you find this article helpful? Be sure to check back regularly for more great tips and advice.