What is A1c?

[@MsKibby]

I was recently diagnosed with type two diabetes. My A-1 C was at 18.5. One month into the journey I had lowered it to 11. I like the part where you were talking about celebrating the victories because that made me say woo hoo. Great information I have subscribe to the channel and will be watching.

[@karendevers6482]

When I was diagnosed t2d this past September, my A1C was 14 and my b.s. was 1200+. With treatment, my A1C was 6 by November and 5.5 by February 1st.

[@sugarhighchannel]

Karen Devers that’s such incredible improvement. Keep up the great work.

[@malcolmcruz2794]

I guess Im pretty randomly asking but do anyone know a good site to watch new series online?

[@korbyncamilo4789]

@Malcolm Cruz Try FlixZone. You can find it on google =)

[@bobronson5049]

@Korbyn Camilo yup, I've been using flixzone for since march myself :D

[@malcolmcruz2794]

@Korbyn Camilo Thank you, signed up and it seems to work =) Appreciate it !!

[@KathyBrooksArt]

This was one of the most helpful, clear and useful videos I've watched in a long time. Great job

[@estellelandry3752]

Thanks, that was really informative. I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago and I went from an A1C of 24 to 9.8 today. I’m really happy with my results and I know I still have ways to go but I know that I’m doing better every day.

[@sincerre4real541]

Very informative video. Thanks for breaking down what A1C means.

[@kimrockwell9570]

Great video....thank you for breaking it down so it's actually understandable!!

[@sugarhighchannel]

Kim Rockwell - thanks!! I’m glad that it’s helpful. Making it understandable is what it’s all about. Thanks for your feedback and stay tuned for more videos on the way.

[@highrzr]

I started watching your channel very recently. You have a good way of explaining stuff so it is easily understood by us non-medical people. I was diagnosed with Type 2 near the of January this year. At that time my A1C was 9.68%. 3 months later it was 5.9%. The most recent check a few days ago was 5.4%. All I've been taking is 10 units a day of Lantus, and started a more plant based diet. My Doc wants me to try Metformin, and see if we can eliminate the insulin altogether!

[@sugarhighchannel]

Thanks so much for your comment, I appreciate the feedback. Super happy to hear about your amazing improvements. Well done!!

[@alanwang8515]

P W1

[@michaelreed6419]

I was first diagnosed as a type 1 (well 1.5) back in February 2021. I’m 36 years old and what prompted me to see a doctor was due to rapid weight loss I was experiencing. Naturally, my doctor sent me for bloodwork and to my surprise my A1C was 12.5 and my glucose was at a 356. I then saw an endocrinologist and was immediately put on Humalog and Tresiba, but I knew this wouldn’t be enough so I drastically changed my diet. I went low carb and ~

[@aileenpascal894]

Great video! I also love the wall in the back 😉

[@sharonmusser9759]

I was diagnosed at the end of February - 10 days after my 50th birthday - my A1C was 6.8. I refused the offer of medication (metformin) and told the Dr that I would do it with diet and exercise (I truly believe that I did this to myself and that it's my responsibility to undo it). I weighed 217 pounds (I'm 5'3") when I was diagnosed and that was down from 223 (I had started exercising at the beginning of January). I joined a support group on Facebook, I spoke to the dietitian, I bought books at Barnes and Noble and I watched videos on KZbin. I read enough of the book to know it was trash along with the recommendations from the dietitian (30 carbs a meal!!). I taught myself how to "diabetes shop" and eat (DURING coronavirus hysteria!) and I watched more videos on KZbin. I've lost 25 pounds (I'm in ONEderland!!!) and I do intermittent fasting to rest my pancreas. My blood sugar numbers are starting to come down - averaging in the low teens and 120's. I've also reviewed all of my test results from previous years and I'm certain that I could have been diagnosed at least 2 years ago (if not 3), but I'm choosing to the see that as the good Lord looking out for me because I could not have handled it back then. Life is good and I intend to stay here and enjoy it!! Diabetes be damned!! I really look forward to watching your next video!!

[@sugarhighchannel]

sharon musser Nice improvement! It’s great to see so many people investing in their own health and making the efforts to overcome diabetes.

[@judelivesg8983]

You have the most inspiring explanation about this subject. Thank you for making this relatable.

[@philloiselle8200]

I have to say, this was so informative. I have been T2D for 20 years and no one has ever explained it as well and clearly. I watch the Metformin video and Jardiance as well as Ozempic. I will ask my doctor about Ozempic. as i am on Metformin 4 times a day as well as Jardiance. Thank you.

[@sarahkaddoura398]

I like your sense of humour while explaining . 👍🏻👍🏻😃

[@Testbeamguy]

Nice video, just some remarks: 1. In Germany we also use the percentage of HbA1c as figure of merit, but in all Lab sheets, both numbers are given. 2. In Germany, there are dedicated workshops paid by the healthcare system where you learn those things, but I thing your videos are basically very concise summaries of what I learned there. 3. One should mention, especially for newly diagnosed diabetes, that lowering the HbA1c too far too fast, you might have side effects, especially in the retina. 4. I had first a multi-med therapy, metformin, empagliflozin, liraglutid and could manage to go down to 5.2%, however we decided to reduce the number of meds to metformin and semaglutid, which led to an HbA1c of 6.5%. I really love your videos, keep the good work!

[@53pittmanjt]

Recently diagnosed as prediabetic. This is helpful, thanks.

[@sugarhighchannel]

You are welcome! Best of luck and success.

[@djmd808]

Thanks for the video! Been stuck at 8 for a couple years, but right before the pandemic took hold I really started taking things seriously, been =< 50g carbs a day since mid Feb and seeing fasting readings of under 100mg/dL for the first time ever. Couldn't get my A1C reading in March due to the situation, but he's going to bring me in for it next month and I can't wait to see what it is!

[@sugarhighchannel]

That’s incredible! These past couple months have actually been really difficult for a lot of my diabetic patients. Many of them have had a tough time getting the right amount of physical activity and it’s easy to eat out of boredom when you’re stuck at home all day. I‘ve just been hoping that most of them can hang on and stay steady throughout this. The fact that you’re making improvements is amazing.

[@lucieni]

I love your channel! Throughout the last year or so contact with my diabetes nurse has been sparse to say the least. I have had 1 blood test in that time when usually I’m tested every 3 months and I don’t know the result of that... I started out self funding freestyle Libre 1 then graduated to Dexcom G6 within the last year so I’m confident my A1C is good and I’m sure if results were deranged I’d have been notified. Dexcom tells me everything is ok so I trust that and I also try my best to stay within limits as much as possible. Another excellent video btw!

[@teresah5318]

You explained A1C quite well for the everyday person. I have been a Type 2 diabetic since I was 40 years and now I am going to be 65 this year. I have had a lot of educational meetings about diet and exercise. I see my endocrinologist every 4 months because I also have Hashimoto's as well. I recently had my medication changed and was curious about Ozempic that I was just put on and your video popped up. You are an excellent teacher. Thank you!

[@nathanpayne7598]

Great video, my A1C. Is 8. I m just starting on VICTOZA this week, I’ve been on metformin. Quiiet a few years. Hopefully the VICTOZA will lower my a1c.

[@indradevpandey8257]

Excellent video very knowledgeable Thnx

[@cybersamster]

Wow, looking for answers and found a fantastically produced video on the subject. top-notch!

[@sugarhighchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your feedback!

[@HAL_9000__]

Excellent video. Thank you. My A1C was 11.5 in January after I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in October of last year. My blood sugar level was way over 500 when I was diagnosed in October 😳. I know. How I was walking around like if nothing I’ll never know. My A1C is now 5.8. My blood sugar stays around 120 now. Don’t know how much damage I’ve already done to my body 🫤. I guess I’ll eventually find out.

[@MNP208]

I really like your explanations. As a RN with limited time (sadly) to explain things before rooming the next patient, your videos are great resources!

[@sugarhighchannel]

Thank you so much! I am glad that you found them helpful and I hope that your patients benefit from them as well.

[@zoeywilliams9052]

Thank u for clarifying for me my husband has diabetes and was told his Alc is 12🥺. Didnt hv a clue what that is. Thank u for yur video

[@monetpiedad7611]

Thank you for the very informative explanation! Been diabetic for 17 years and I am only able to maintain good A1cs for the past 2 years when I was hospitalized due to hypertension. Late 2018, I discovered I have proliferative diabetic retinopathy so I underwent laser but later on, mid 2019, vitrectomies on both eyes. Some say in my support group that the sudden or rapid decrease in my blood sugar levels could have worsen my retinopathy. I was only able to save my left eye. I also have neuropathy but it is still manageable. I have constant swellings on my feet but my doctor only gives me furosemide and advises me on a diet of less meat and sodium as my creatinine levels although huigher than normal, she says, is still manageable. Maybe in your next videos you talk about diabetic complications which you saw first hand from your patients. Again, many thanks!

[@sugarhighchannel]

You bet!! I already have a video planned o diabetes complications!

[@angelflores5677]

From 14 to 8 in to months I was taking metformin but I noticed when I missed a day my glucose was lower than when taking the pill so I stopped taking it I’ve Been eating good no carbs at least no bread no rice no sugar just water to drink and I’ve been walking more so I’m confused if it was the pill or the way I’m eating??

[@nikkiswenson54]

Good knowledge...understandable!!

[@sugarhighchannel]

Thanks for your feedback. Glad you found it helpful.

[@madmaxus1313]

Just got diagnosed with diabetes 2 days ago… can’t even get a primary doctor yet. I have to apply for a doctor to see me. I have been testing with the blood strips and I have been over 450 for days now. I’ve stopped eating and only drinking water. And I’m taking the medicine they prescribed. Why is my sugar not going down? I’m not adding anything to the water and I’m not cheating by eating something. What am I supposed to be doing? I know you can’t give medical advice but ideas or suggestions would be enough.

[@Clay1337]

Fantastic video. Especially the end.

[@zjewell17]

I had a glucose tolerance test and drank the sugary stuff. I don't see A1C on that test. What is the test that shows A1C? I'm Insulin Resistant.

[@erwinross]

great explanation but way back in 2017 I was prescribed with TRAJENTA and my A1C that time was 7.9. Out of some clerical mistake, I received a message from my healthcare provider to have my A1C taken in another month. I went to the laboratory to have my drawing and after three days I had my result and my A1C this time is down to 6.5%. How could this happen when it was only a month past? My healthcare provider stopped TRAJENTA after this and my A1C went up to 7.9% again until OZEMPIC was introduced.

[@kshipon1798]

I’m 45 YO man 135 LB weight my A1C is 5.9 for last 5 years my glucose tolerance test shows my pancreas producing too much insulin, what you is think happening and should should I do?

[@carloseduardocastanomejia8987]

I am 47, was diagnosed with T2D. Started taking Metformin 500 ml then 750 ml, and now after 5 years probably insulin. I do not want to take insulin. My A1C now is 7.7 but it can get to 10 as my las lab over a week ago. I do not want to submit to insulin. I have decided to start a plant-based diet along with fasting. How long do you think it could take to get that A1C down? Should I take insulin? Thanks for your answer.

[@etherbunni30]

I was first diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic 15+ years ago. It was always well controlled until we had a death in the family. Over the course of about 5 years and not really caring about much, my A1C rose to 11.6. I met with a new MD a month ago and started a new medication regimen. Before meeting this doctor my glucose was always 250+ but I’ve dropped to mainly in the 80s and 90s daily. In theory, when I follow up with my doctor in another couple months, could my A1C drop to a normal level?

[@gloriafisher4908]

I was just diagnosed with type 2, A1C 7.5 I am now on Metformin 500 med for 90 days, hopefully it helps. I’m kind of confuse, my glucose only high in the morning fasting at average of 118, before lunch and before dinner I check it again its below 100, but A1C is at 7.5

[@maymunabdimiimi4555]

Thanks teacher 😊

[@Artikumari-xp6of]

My husband's Hb1ac is always between 5% to 5.6% since last 2 years ( he is not clinically diagnosed diabetic yet).... What are the chances for him to develope diabetes in near future he is 40..??

[@kenyattastreet1369]

Hi, My mom had and A1c of 10, in a week after taking her meds, and changing her diet, she dropped to 9.5....However she was not taking her meds the 3 months prior. So when we went to see her pcd, he wanted to raised her metformin from 500mg to 1000mg....I didn't think that he is giving her enough time on what she's taking already to take effect including diet to lower it... After seeing this info about and understanding A1c better...Do you think she should go from 500mg to 1000mg

[@sugarhighchannel]

Hi, thanks for your comment. I can't really say specifically what your mom, should do, but I can say that I would probably also have recommended increasing the dose if your mom was my patient. 10 is a pretty high A1c and 500 mg of metformin likely won't be enough to manage it. That being said, the dietary improvements your mom is making are more valuable than any medication we could prescribe, so hopefully that will get her the rest of the way. Even if the dose is increased for now, that can always be revisited and perhaps reduced once you guys get a chance to see how her A1c responds in a few months. Best of luck!

[@bobh28630]

Several years back... A1C of 12+. The most recent: 5.4 Improvement can be accomplished, however, only the patient (with the assistance of medication, diet and exercise) can make the change. The real motivator for me was declining visual acuity. From what I have learned, Eylea (and similar therapeutics) can aid against the progression of the negative effects of diabetes on the eyes. The damage already done is not going away instantly and can only be mitigated. And for those who are unaware, the **injection directly into the eye** can be done without pain... but only if the physician and staff responsible make absolutely sure the patient's eye is sufficiently anesthetized and thoroughly rinsed afterward. The best solution: get your A1C down.

[@sugarhighchannel]

Great improvement! Congrats on the A1c.

[@mithilesh6307]

My fasting is 239 but A1c is 5.5 what happens? I'm diabetic?

[@jebezelle]

Can you make a video about a1c and the novel coronavirus?

[@sugarhighchannel]

Hi Adrian, Just in case you haven't seen it yet, I made the video and posted it last evening. Hope you find it helpful

[@martyfeinstein8197]

My T1D diagnosis was in 1963. Back then, people with diabetes mixed 5 drops of urine with 5 drops of fistilef

[@carolinepandian8630]

Meeting Dr IGUDIA KZbin channel was the beginning of a new life for me after using his herbs medication in curing my Diabetes disease.

[@gandapelayo]

Im47yrsold,June 2021 ,my A1C is 12.3…Doctor prescribed me trulicity,1.5,jardiance25mg,metformine1000,,atorvastatin,losartan…Hopinng my A1c will be lower in next 3 mos,crossing fingers ,so help le God.

[@johnmarkquinamot818]

Mine, I started with 10.4% after 94 days it went down to 6.2%

[@mariocarvajal4450]

My A1c was 10 an i took it down to 5.1 . With intermittent fasting. An taking xigduo

[@sarahkaddoura398]

My A1c is 6.6 so am I considered Prediabetic ?? How much it should be for not being that or having insulin resistance thanks ??

[@King_IVAR868]

Sooo...technically if you are diabetic but control it well over 3 months you could have a normal a1c?

[@sugarhighchannel]

Absolutely!!! Depending on a patient’s general health situation, that’s often our goal.

[@josephinemccourt564]

I was diagnosed in may31as typ2 my a1c was 12 , nowis since august, but your comments about older people were not good im 70 a registered nurse all my life, after that comment i wont be watching your channel again very ageist in todays world.

[@grumpyinbrooklyn6347]

This is tragic. Officially sanctioned crappy goals. And the worse is the absolutely false statement that lower A1c means higher risk of hypoglycemia. Nothing farther from th truth, as implied. It depends on HOW you get that lower A1c. Hint: the ADA way IS the risky one, which is why they tell you to aim higher to begin with. Do yourselves a favor and learn about the "Law ol Small Numbers" a concept originally coined by Dr. Richard Bernstein!