How much can your A1C drop in 3 months? (2024)

FAQs

How many points can your A1C drop in 3 months? ›

If you have good control over diabetes then the good news is that HBA1C can drop by 10%. But if your levels are higher than 7.5 then the drop is slower.

[1,3] If you're wondering how much can you lower your A1c in a month, don't anticipate immediate results. This is because red blood cells have a lifespan of about three months. After a few months of lifestyle changes, you'll gradually be able to see your A1c go down.

It's important to understand that lowering your A1C levels is a gradual and slow process. And, your A1C, unlike a blood glucose test, measures your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. This means it can take up to 3 months to notice significant changes in your A1C.

While you may want to lower your A1C levels overnight, that can't happen. It took months for your A1C to get where it is. It will take months to lower. Instead of looking for a quick fix, eat healthily and exercise regularly.

The ADAG (A1C-Derived Average Glucose) study found a strong correlation between the A1C and estimated average glucose concentrations. A change (either positive or negative) in A1C percentage of 0.5% is considered clinically significant.

How much will metformin lower A1C / blood sugar? When metformin is used as a single drug treatment (without other diabetes treatments like insulin), it will typically lower your A1C by about 1% to 2% on average. A1C is a measure of long-term blood sugar control.

Summary. Drinking water won't lower your blood sugar levels, but staying hydrated can help you manage them if you have diabetes. Regularly drinking enough water is healthy, and research has linked it to a reduced risk of high blood sugar and diabetes.

Expected timeline to see a change in A1c

By nature of the type of blood test that A1c is, you will likely do a repeat test in about 3 months. Remember, A1c is measuring your average blood glucose level over the last three months.

It's true that carbohydrates affect your blood sugar more than other nutrients you eat. Chances are that if you overdo starchy carbs on a regular basis, your A1c number will start to creep up. But remember, all carbs aren't a problem.

People's risk for having another stroke was 28% greater when admitted to the hospital with A1C levels above 7.0%, compared to those below 6.5%. “Our findings highlight the importance of keeping a close eye on your blood sugar if you're diabetic and have had a stroke,” Han said.

How can I drastically lower my A1C? ›

Soluble fiber — the type found in beans, nuts, seeds and certain fruits — has been found to be particularly helpful in lowering A1C levels. Eat fewer starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn and squash, as these have more carbohydrates and a bigger effect on your blood sugar than non-starchy vegetables.

Drinking water is an excellent way to stay hydrated without consuming sugar. Green tea, cow's milk, and fermented milk (kefir) could also help you manage your blood sugar responses. Coffee also contains compounds that may help regulate blood sugar, but confirming this requires more research.

A healthy diet is one of the best ways to lower your A1C levels. If you're trying to cut sugar out of your bloodstream, it is a good first step to work on cutting it out of your diet.

Significant weight loss, especially within the first year of diagnosis, was associated with the highest likelihood of remission and maintenance of healthy A1C levels.

Dangerous levels of A1C are 9% and higher. An A1C above 9% increases the risk of long-term diabetes complications like blindness, nerve damage, and kidney failure. 1 Under 7% is considered good diabetes control. In non-diabetics, A1C levels stay below 5.7%.

In one study, people with type 2 diabetes who lost 5% to 10% of their body weight were three times as likely to lower their A1c by 0.5%. You may have a different goal for your weight or other health considerations on your mind. Ask your doctor to help you make a weight loss plan that matches your overall goals.

Your HbA1c does not change rapidly because the red blood cells in your circulation last for around 3-4 months. Any increases and decreases in your HbA1c will happen over a period of at least 6 weeks. HbA1c is recorded as mmol/mol, and sometimes as a percentage, while blood glucose is recorded in mmol/L.