Diabetes and its Remedies

HbA1c, also known as hemoglobin A1c or glycosylated hemoglobin, is a marker in the blood that provides an average level of blood sugar (glucose) over the past two to three months. It is a key test for diagnosing and managing diabetes.

The HbA1c ranges are typically categorized as follows:

  • Less than 5.7%
  • This indicates a low risk of diabetes.
  • 5.7% to 6.4%
  • This suggests a higher risk of developing diabetes in the future.
  • 6.5% or higher on two separate tests
  • This range is diagnostic for diabetes.
  • Goal for many individuals: Below 7%
  • Higher values indicate poor blood sugar control and a greater risk of complications.

If you have an elevated HbA1c level, it may mean your blood sugar has been high over the last few months. High blood sugar levels can cause symptoms such as:

  1. Increased thirst and urination: These symptoms are often among the first signs of diabetes. The kidneys react to high levels of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream by flushing out the excess glucose in urine, which pulls a lot of extra water out of the blood, leading to dehydration and, consequently, a greater sense of thirst.
  2. Fatigue: When your cells don’t get the glucose they need for energy, your body becomes tired. Fatigue can be compounded by high blood sugar levels and dehydration from increased urination.
  3. Blurred vision: High levels of glucose in the blood can damage the tiny blood vessels leading to your eyes, causing fluid to seep into the lens of the eye. This can swell the lens, change its shape, and lead to vision distortion.
  4. Slow-healing sores: High blood sugar levels can affect the body’s circulatory system, reducing blood flow and the delivery of essential nutrients to wounds, therefore impairing the healing process.
  5. Frequent infections: Diabetes can impair your body’s ability to fight infection, leading to a greater susceptibility to frequent and sometimes more serious infections.
  6. Tingling or numbness in hands or feet: This symptom is known as neuropathy, which occurs due to long-term damage caused to the nerves by prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels.

It’s important to note that not everyone with high HbA1c levels will have symptoms, especially in the early stages of diabetes. Regular testing is crucial for those at risk or diagnosed with diabetes.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, there are several ways to manage your blood sugar levels and thus your HbA1c:

  • Healthy diet: Balancing carbohydrates, fiber, and protein intake
  • Regular exercise: Aims to utilize glucose as energy and improve insulin sensitivity
  • Medication: As prescribed by a healthcare professional
  • Monitoring: Regular blood glucose checks
  • Education: Learning about the condition and how to manage it effectively

Remember, only a healthcare provider can diagnose and recommend appropriate treatments for diabetes or any other health condition. If you have concerns about your HbA1c levels or the symptoms listed here, consult with your doctor for personalized advice and testing.

Maintaining control over your blood sugar levels through lifestyle adjustments and treatment can help to minimize the risk of diabetes-related complications in the long term.

disclaimer : This is not replacement of professional medical advise. Please consult with medical care professional

reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549816/#:~:text=Diagnostic%20Tests&text=For%20an%20HbA1c%20test%20to,HbA1c%20of%206.5%25%20or%20higher.