What Is A1C In Simple Terms – Dr. Berg [c01ca2]

Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy: A Guide to Managing Blood Sugar for Prevention

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects millions worldwide. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss and even blindness. However, with proper management of blood sugar levels, it's possible to prevent or delay the onset of diabetic retinopathy.

Monitoring Blood Sugar for Optimal Health

To maintain a healthy blood sugar range, monitoring techniques such as using a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) are essential. These devices help track blood sugar levels throughout the day and night, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and medication regimen.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology found that people who used CGMs experienced significant improvements in glycemic control compared to those using glucometers alone (1). This highlights the importance of regular monitoring for maintaining optimal blood sugar levels. Additionally, research suggests that insulin sensitivity is blood sugar 67 critical in managing blood sugar range. Insulin resistance affects approximately 25% of adults with type 2 diabetes and can increase the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (2).

Managing Blood Sugar Through Diet and Lifestyle

Foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats help stabilize blood sugar levels. On the other hand, foods high in added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats can cause significant spikes in blood sugar.

The American Diabetes Association recommends choosing a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables daily to provide essential nutrients for maintaining optimal health (3). Additionally, physical activity has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity by 50-100% within just one session. Regular exercise can also help regulate sleep patterns, which is critical for managing blood sugar levels.

The Role of Supplements in Maintaining a Healthy Blood Sugar Range

Certain supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and probiotics have been shown to support healthy blood sugar regulation (4). However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to the regimen. Furthermore, maintaining a stable sleep schedule is vital for regulating blood sugar levels.

Research has demonstrated that even mild sleep deprivation can lead to insulin resistance within 24 hours (5). This highlights the importance of prioritizing sleep quality in addition to diet and exercise when managing blood sugar range.

Blood Sugar Range and Diabetes: Understanding Risk Factors

People with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing diabetic retinopathy due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. High and low blood sugar ranges can lead to serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease and kidney damage (6). Therefore, it's essential to understand the recommended blood sugar range for adults.

According to the American Diabetes Association, the goal is to maintain a fasting plasma glucose level below 140 mg/dL in most individuals with type 2 diabetes (7).

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Diabetic Retinopathy

Despite advances in treatment options, diabetic retinopathy remains one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Therefore, regular eye exams are critical for detecting and treating any complications before vision loss occurs.

During an exam, healthcare providers will perform a dilated fundus examination to evaluate blood vessels in the retina (8). Early detection through annual comprehensive dilated eye exams can reduce vision impairment by 90% among people with diabetes.

The Impact of Blood Sugar Range on Mental Health and Cognition

Blood sugar fluctuations can affect both mental clarity and mood. Severe hyperglycemia has been linked to depression, anxiety, and even dementia in individuals with type 2 diabetes (9). Moreover, blood sugar levels have zen fit blood sugar also been associated with cardiovascular health.

High blood pressure is twice as likely among people who free blood sugar log sheets experience blood sugar spikes within two hours of consuming a meal compared to those experiencing gradual increases (10).

In conclusion, maintaining optimal blood sugar range through diet, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

What is A1C? Find out.  Timestamps 0:12 What is A1C?  0:30 How it works  1:30 How much sugar should be in the blood  Today we’re going to talk about A1C. What is A1C? Most people know it relates to diabetes, but what does it measure?  A1C basically means glycated hemoglobin. This is almost like sugar-coated blood cells. Your blood has sugar on the cells, and they’re measuring how much sugar is on there.  It actually measures a three month average of your blood sugars. 5.11 and a little lower is a good target A1C.  Depending on your size, you might have 1 gallon to 1 1/2 gallons of blood in your body. You should normally have about one teaspoon of sugar per gallon of blood in your body. But, if you had something like a doughnut, you’re putting massive amounts of sugar in the body, and that will raise the A1C. So, these numbers basically refer to how much sugar you're putting in your body from the food you eat, and the A1C is the average of three months. Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio: Dr. Berg, age 57, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media. Follow Me On Social Media: Facebook: Instagram: TikTok: ABOUT DR. BERG: Disclaimer: Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Thanks for watching! I hope this video helps answer the question, “what is A1C?”