HbA1c/A1c: What Does it Mean?
We often hear about HbA1c or A1c tests in the Fasting and Ketogenic circles.
Maybe you’ve had one, or maybe your doctor has suggested you take one.
Or perhaps you’re just wondering what it’s all about.
Let’s dive into that.
What is an HbA1c test?
The HbA1c test (Hemoglobin A1c) is a blood test that reflects your average blood glucose levels over your last two to three months.
So it’s different than a blood glucose test, which measures your blood glucose levels in that exact moment.
The HbA1c is used to detect diabetes or prediabetes.
It’s also used as a tool to monitor blood sugar health in those who have already been diagnosed with diabetes.
And even if you’re in good health, you can still ask your doctor for an HbA1c. It’s great to know those numbers!
The HbA1c is simple, it’s done by taking a blood sample. And you don’t even have to fast for this one (unless you want to!).
The sample is then used to see how much glucose is attached to your red blood cells.
Because red blood cells live for about three months, this is how they can tell what your average glucose levels have been.
The HbA1c matters because it gives you a big picture look at what’s been going on with your blood glucose for the last few months.
As opposed to a simple blood glucose test which can only tell you how much glucose you have in your blood right then.
Neat, huh?
What is a good HbA1c number?
A normal HbA1c is below 5.7 %. This is what we want.
5.7 % - 6.4 % is considered prediabetic.
And 6.4 % or higher would be in the diabetic range.
Note that while HbA1c results are very reliable, there are a few things that can skew them, such as anemia or kidney disease.
But your doctor should be aware of those kinds of things and take them into account.
Who should do an HbA1c?
Anyone experiencing symptoms of diabetes should definitely have an HbA1c.
Symptoms include:
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Tingling or numbness
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Blurred vision
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Wounds that heal slowly
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Frequent infections
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Fatigue
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Nausea
But also, if you’re Fasting or following a Ketogenic diet to reverse health conditions, an HbA1c can give you feedback.
Get one at the beginning of your weight loss or health journey, and then repeat in a few months and compare the results.
It’s an amazing feeling when you see those numbers improve.
And of course if you’re already prediabetic or diabetic, your doctor will want to keep an eye on your HbA1c.
My HbA1c was bad! What now?
If your HbA1c was higher than normal, your doctor will of course be talking to you about what that means for you.
But there are some things you can do on your own to help bring that number back into a normal range.
Change your diet
If you haven’t already, you’ll need to make some diet changes.
Cut out added sugars. Aim for healthy fats, protein, and low carbohydrate vegetables, fruits, and berries.
Think whole foods.
A Ketogenic diet will lower your HbA1c, and there are different options for that.
You can try Carnivore, Keto, or low carb.
Consider Fasting
Intermittent or Extended Fasting reduces blood glucose and insulin levels, and increases insulin sensitivity.
This will help bring your HbA1c back down.
Bonus points if you combine your Fasting with a Ketogenic diet. In other words, when you break your fasts (whether Extended or Intermittent), aim for a low carbohydrate diet.
Stay active
Physical activity helps your body use up that glucose.
Even a daily walk, especially after meals, is going to be good for your HbA1c.
Get your sleep and manage your stress
Poor sleep and lots of stress both keep cortisol levels high, and this has a negative impact on blood glucose.
Have your HbA1c checked
For such a simple test, the HbA1c is a powerful tool in your health and wellness journey.
Why not take advantage of it?
If you haven’t had yours checked lately, ask your doctor, they should be happy to do this for you.
