A1C Level Chart – An Effective Diabetes Management Tool
Diabetes, a lifelong disease is increasingly affecting a large population of the world. It is a condition in which hormone insulin levels are disrupted. Insulin is released by the pancreas, in order to help the body store the sugar and use fat from the food we consume. However, in case of a diabetic patient, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. In a few cases, diabetes may be triggered when the body does not respond well to the insulin produced.
Diabetes can be classified into three types – type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the insulin is not produced, and insulin has to be injected into the body. This is a type of diabetes may occur at any age but is common among people below the age of 20 years. On the other hand, people with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or the insulin is not used up properly.
Symptoms of diabetes
The symptoms of diabetes may occur before or after the onset of the condition. They may occur suddenly and may be severe in few patients. Here are some symptoms of diabetes.
Increased thirst – People who have diabetes tend to feel thirsty every short while. The mouth feels dry at all times. This symptom may prevail even when a person is well-hydrated.
Frequent urination – Increased thirst is accompanied by the need to visit the toilet every short while.
Blurred vision – Eyesight begins to feel hazy, and the vision blurs. This symptom is a major indicator of type 1 diabetes.
Numbness – There may be numbness or tingling in the feet or hands. This is usually mild in the beginning but feels more bothersome after a while.
Slow-healing – A significant symptom of diabetes includes the slow-healing of cuts and wounds. This can be a very dangerous symptom, and one should pay particular attention to the same.
A few individuals may not see a development of any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Consulting a medical professional as soon as possible is essential to avoid further complications. The doctor may ask one to undergo a test. The diabetes A1C level’s chart is a blood test that allows you to understand how well your diabetes management plan is working. Although several people resort to home blood sugar testing as can be used to manage blood sugar on a daily basis, it does not provide long-term information. The diabetes A1C level’s chart delivers a more accurate picture of one’s progress in managing the test.
The diabetes A1C level’s chart provides a valuable score of diabetes control. Here are a few ways to control and aim for a better score on the diabetes A1C level’s chart.
Keep the body active – The body should be put through some kind of physical activity, at least five days a week. This does not have to be a rigorous or formal exercise. One can opt for any physical activity that they enjoy to do. This could be daily morning walk, playing a sport with a friend or even a swim in the pool.
Follow a treatment plan – Following the right kind of treatment plan will be beneficial in controlling diabetes. Making regular appointments with the doctor and taking the right treatment is necessary. The treatment for diabetes is individualized, and the doctor will help in determining the correct steps in successful management.
A balanced diet – Consuming a balanced diet is a secret to leading a healthy lifestyle. Eating a small portion of different kinds of nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc. is the way to go. Although these foods are healthy, one should not go overboard and be mindful about the quantity. It is a known fact that processed foods are unhealthy and they should be avoided as much as possible. Also, drink high in sugar and alcohol should be cut out entirely. Following a strict diet that is penned down by a dietitian will surely better the scores on the diabetes A1C level’s chart.
Schedule – A diabetic patient should necessarily follow a strict schedule. Eating meals on time and not and munching a small snack every short while is essential. Keeping a long gap in between meals can cause the blood sugar levels to increase or drop. The fluctuation in the blood sugar levels increases the complications of the illness.
Keep a track – Keeping a track on the diabetes A1C level chart will aid in altering one’s lifestyle. Regularly checking the levels of blood sugar and will determine if there are any changes to be made. The diabetes A1C level’s chart also helps the doctor understand how well the medication is working and how it can be modified for better results.
Diabetes is an illness that is chronic, and in most cases, it can never be cured. However, with the kind of control, the symptoms and effects can be effectively reduced.