The A1C test helps diagnose diabetes. It also aids in the management of the condition after diagnosis. The test can reveal a person’s blood glucose levels for the past three months.
The test relies on glucose that attaches to hemoglobin. These cells live for three months; thus, it can reveal information about glucose levels in the blood for the same time period. Lower A1C levels indicate good diabetes management. If the A1C numbers are higher than 6.5%, it indicates diabetes.
If the A1C levels are not within the normal range, your doctor may recommend some diet modifications along with other recommendations. Diet plays a critical role in diabetes management. You can achieve lower A1C levels by making adjustments to your diet along with other treatment options.
Food to help you lower your A1C levels
Vegetables
Include plenty of vegetables in your daily diet for fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Best vegetables for diabetes management are leafy greens, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, celery, and asparagus.
Avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes until you can achieve lower A1C levels. Later, you can eat these in moderation if you doctor recommends it.
Fruits
You don’t have to avoid fruits if you are diabetic. You have plenty of options to choose from to help with diabetes management. You can eat citrus fruits, all types of berries, guavas, apples, melons.
Grains
Include whole grains in your diet on a daily basis. Whole wheat, brown rice, quinoa, barley, and millets are good options for diabetics. Avoid foods made with refined flour.
Proteins
Lentils, peas, beans, and nuts (in moderation) can help to lower A1C levels. You can also include low-fat dairy and fish like salmon or herring.
Fats
Good options for people with diabetes are olive oil and peanut oil. You can also obtain healthy fats from avocados and flaxseeds.
Some food options
- Low-fat yogurt topped with berries.
- Buckwheat pancakes.
- Whole wheat toast with avocado puree.
- Carrot and tomato soup with herbs.
- Citrus and apple salad with nuts.
The test numbers are unique to each person. So, follow your doctor’s recommendations to achieve lower A1C levels.
