A1C of 7.9

AnitaHardin · July 2017

First time posting here and hope to get some support and ideals. This A1C is the highest it has been in years. I've just basically eat everything I want and am now paying for it. I'm about 100 lbs overweight and so tired I can't stand myself. Any suggestions appreciated....have a blessed day!

Sigma28 · July 2017

Hi Anita! I commend you for wanting to do something about it! I'm an optometrist that checks for diabetic retinopathy and other visual issues from uncontrolled diabetes. Too many of my patients continue to eat anything they want and not exercise because they think, "that's what diabetic medication is for". I'm glad that you are now on your way to a new you! Join us all on this fitness journey!

Here are my suggestions. Weigh and log everything that you eat religiously. Like everyone here, it will quickly give you an idea on what true healthy portions look like. Secondly, you need to look into a low carb diet. It will keep you full and keep your blood glucose low. If this sounds overwhelming, start small like eliminating sugared sodas, juices, sweetened drinks, and alcohol first. Then start working on revamping your meals. Thirdly, start walking. It can be just around your sofa if you're out of shape, or around the block. Walk. Everyday. Eventually work your way up to at least 30 minutes. When the pounds start coming off and you think you can handle more, add low impact exercises like biking, swimming, low impact aerobics, rowing, whatever interests you. When you lose enough where you won't damage your knees, feel free to add high impact activities like running, tennis, etc. if that is what you want to do. Weight lifting is great too at any fitness level. More muscle means building a higher metabolism and after burn.

Aim for 1-2 pounds of loss per week. MFP will calculate that for you. Any faster and you run the risk of developing gall bladder stones.

Make supportive friends on here or a local exercise buddy. They can keep you accountable.

Lastly, keep those doctor's appointments and be good about taking your medications. I'd also suggest a dilated eye exam. At 7.9, your blood sugar is high enough to cause damage to the blood vessels in your retina. They can swell and leak at that level. Long term damage will result in vision loss.

Good luck on your weight loss journey! Feel free to add me if you'd like, or PM me if you have any other questions!

Jude1064 · July 2017

I could have written your post! I was just diagnosed with diabetes a1c was 8.1. I started on a low carb diet and I am logging everything! I have my first check up on Tuesday. I can tell I've lost a few pounds already. My goal is to be off meds by spring. Hopefully I can start some sort of work out soon. My knees are bad so it limits me. I am only 52 and could kick myself for doing this to myself. My daughter is following in my footsteps and it breaks my heart. But she won't listen to me and change her habits now before it's too late. Good luck with everything! You can do it!!

DocRobT2DLCHF · July 2017

You have two real good responses already, but if I may....
In Jan 2913 I was diagnosed T2D. I weighed 433# and my A1c was 12.7. My Dr wanted to start me on insulin immediately. I refused.
Over the next 14 months following a LCHF way of eating, I cut 133# and lowered my A1c to 5.2. I also went off of two high blood pressure meds. And I got lazy. For the last three years I've maintained around 300 #, but I've crept up to 331 just this year. I still follow the LCHF way, but just consuming too many carbs. 23 days ago I recommitted to loosing 100 #. As of this past Wednesday I'm down 14#.
First, if you are on Facebook, join the group Reversing Diabetes. That group is 30 thousand+ strong, super supportive in teaching how to beat this diabetes thing. And lose wt in the process.
Second, as mentioned in previous posts, log and track everything you eat. Can't stress it enough. Forces you to be accountable to yourself. Keeps your ultimate goal in the forefront. Make this the most important mission in your life. Your life may depend on it. Add me if I can be of help.

brattonsbaby72 · July 2017

I have never had high blood glucose issues, but have always been overweight. I started eating Keto / Low Carb High Fat on February 1 this year and have lost 40 pounds to date. I've never felt better. Many diabetics I know, and many I "virtually" know have slashed their A1c to non-diabetic levels! It's worth you researching and see if you feel it's right for you.

A1C of 7.9

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