Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Eat a healthy diet
• Method 2 of 4: Exercise regularly
• Method 3 of 4: Controlling stress and anxiety
• Method 4 of 4: Go to the doctor regularly
• Tips
• Warnings

A1C is a form of glucose in the body that is regularly monitored in people with type 1 and 2 diabetes. A1C is usually used to determine the average blood sugar level in diabetics over the past few months and can help the doctor prescribe medicines and the recommendation of treatments. A1C levels can often be lowered through a healthy lifestyle, such as eating well, exercising regularly and controlling stress.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Eat a healthy diet

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain a variety of antioxidants that are good for health in general, and they are high in fiber, which, according to research, contributes to better blood sugar control.
2. Eat more beans and legumes. According to researchers, you get one-third of your daily fiber requirement from half a can of beans. Beans slow down the digestion process and stabilize blood sugar after meals.
3. Consume more low-fat milk and yogurt. Skim milk and yogurt are full of calcium and vitamin D, which contribute to more stable blood sugar and weight loss, which is usually good for people with type 2 diabetes.
4. Eat more nuts and fish. Most nuts and fatty fish, such as tuna, mackerel and salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids that reduce insulin resistance, regulate blood sugar, and keep the heart healthy. Nuts are also good for patients with type 2 diabetes who want to lower their cholesterol levels.
5. Season your food with cinnamon. While cinnamon is often associated with sweets and desserts, research has shown that half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day can reduce insulin resistance.
   • Add cinnamon to the tea, or sprinkle it on the fruit, vegetables, or meat to get enough cinnamon every day without having to eat more desserts or pastries.
6. Eat less fat and snacks. Sweets and junk food such as candy, pie, chips and fries cause blood sugar to spike, which can affect your A1C levels.
   • Have snacks that contain natural sugars such as fruits, berries and low-fat cheese if you want to satisfy your cravings for sweetness. These things contain natural sugars that are more slowly absorbed into the bloodstream than refined sugar and processed ingredients.
7. Stay hydrated by drinking water instead of soda or juice. Research shows that people who drink water during the day are less likely to dehydrate, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise and A1C levels to rise. Soda, energy drinks, fruit juice and other drinks with sugar in them result in higher blood sugar and weight gain.

Method 2 of 4: Exercise regularly

1. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day. Physical activity naturally lowers blood sugar, is good for the heart and energy levels, and contributes to weight loss. Diabetics who exercise regularly often have a more stable blood sugar level and healthier A1C levels.
2. Try to include both aerobic and anaerobic activity in your exercise plan. Anaerobic exercises such as strength training can temporarily raise blood sugar, while aerobic exercise such as walking or swimming automatically lowers blood sugar. Over time, both forms of exercise contribute to lower A1C levels.
3. Find ways to make your lifestyle more active. The more active you are, the better your A1C levels will get over time. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator and walk to the supermarket instead of taking the car.

Method 3 of 4: Controlling stress and anxiety

1. If you find yourself feeling stressed or anxious, try relaxation techniques. Research shows that stress and anxiety adversely affect the heart and can make diabetes worse.
   • Exercises such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation relax the body and reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Make adjustments to your lifestyle gradually so that you reduce the causes of stress. Research has shown that long-term stress negatively affects your health and increases the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and other conditions. If you find yourself stressed because you work too much, try to work fewer hours.

Method 4 of 4: Go to the doctor regularly

1. Make regular appointments with your doctor. Your doctor can help you monitor A1C levels and recommend treatments to manage your diabetes better.
2. Take all prescribed medications and try to control diabetes. Failure to take your medication can lead to high blood sugar, high A1C levels and sometimes even hospitalization or serious illness.

Tips

• If you need help setting up a healthy diet, see a dietitian. They can help you by recommending the right nutrition so that the A1C levels drop.

Warnings

• Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe depression or anxiety, and if the tips above do not improve your mood. Depression and anxiety can have a major impact on diabetes, especially if your moods don't keep you in control of your medication or diet.