Latest news with #A1C
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Endocrinologists Are Begging People With High A1C Levels To Stop Doing This One Thing ASAP
Endocrinologists Are Begging People With High A1C Levels To Stop Doing This One Thing ASAP originally appeared on Parade. More than than one in 10 American adults has some form of diabetes and, of those, up to 95% have type 2 diabetes. Having this condition means needing to be on top of your glucose levels, including your A1C levels, an average measure of your blood sugar over two to three months. High A1C levels usually mean you have diabetes, but it can also be a marker of prediabetes, a condition in which your blood sugar is elevated but not quite high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).Why does this matter? Having high A1C indicates that your body isn't using blood sugar properly. 'The goal function of the body is to place sugar from the food into cells to nourish,' explains , endocrinologist and assistant professor of medicine at GW Medical Faculty Associates. 'Failure of this process is when sugar from food is absorbed into the blood, but cannot move into cells either due to insulin resistance or deficiency.' When that consistently happens, you could be at risk of developing organ damage to your kidneys, eyes, heart and nerves, Dr. Baldwin says. If you have elevated A1C levels or have already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it's best to aim for an A1C that's less than 7%, per the ADA. (If your A1C level lands between 5.7% and 6.5%, you're considered to have prediabetes.)Related: 'Maintaining a healthy A1C indicates that your blood sugar is not high and that greatly reduces the risk of long-term complications,' says , chief of the division of endocrinology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical 2 diabetes is a complicated condition, and it's hard to say that doing any one thing will help your A1C levels come back down. But endocrinologists stress that certain lifestyle factors are crucial with blood sugar control, even if you're on medication. While endocrinologists say it's important to tackle blood sugar control from a variety of angles, there's one habit they repeatedly encourage their patients with high A1C to break.🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 The No. 1 Habit Endocrinologists Want People With High A1C To Break ASAP Endocrinologists recommend that people with high A1C rethink how much fast food they eat. 'Fast food typically contains ultra-processed foods that can be toxic to beta cells—cells in the pancreas that produce insulin,' Dr. Baldwin says. (In case you're not familiar with it, insulin is a hormone that helps sugar enter cells, where it's used for energy.)While there is a range with fast food, she points out that foods in this category tend to be high in simple carbohydrates. These carbs 'can be rapidly metabolized into sugar, compounding the problem.' When you eat a lot of simple carbs, it can cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash, making symptoms of type 2 diabetes—and your A1C levels—worse, Dr. Buettner says. Related: Fast foods also tend to be high in saturated fat, which can worsen your body's ability to use insulin properly, according to Dr. Buettner. It's also often low in fiber (a nutrient that lowers blood sugar), and high in calories, raising the odds of weight gain and worsening blood glucose control, he explains, adding, 'These factors make it harder to manage blood sugar and maintain or lower your A1C."Things that tend to go along with fast food can also be problematic for blood sugar management, points out , endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist at NYU Langone Health. 'Fast food is frequently consumed alongside sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, compounding the glycemic impact,' she says. Even if fast food isn't a consistent thing for you, Dr. Baldwin suggests being mindful of ultra-processed foods. These are foods that are altered from their usual state and have added ingredients like artificial colors and flavors, along with preservatives for shelf stability and ingredients to preserve texture. (Ultra-processed foods usually come in a package.)Related:Cardiologists Are Begging People With High Cholesterol to Stop Doing This One Thing ASAP Foods To Focus on Instead There's no one diet that's going to be "perfect" for every single person with Type 2 diabetes. But the ADA has certain guidelines to help you make choices to support better blood sugar management in the future. 1. Opt for non-starchy vegetables This should be the foundation of your plate. These vegetables, which include broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, are a good choice because they help fill you up without delivering as many calories and carbs as starchier foods. 2. Eat plenty of protein Protein is a macronutrient that can help fill you up and support muscle growth. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram per day for people aged 18 and up, which translates to about 30 to 35 grams of protein per meal for most people. If you eat a plant-based diet, the ADA recommends focusing on beans, hummus, and lentils. Just be aware that these foods have carbs, which may impact your blood 3. Try to limit carbs when you can Dr. Buettner suggests being mindful of how many carbs you're eating. 'Do not eat a lot of carbs as they get broken down to glucose in your body and raise blood sugar,' he says. 4. Enjoy fruit too Fruits count as carbohydrates, but they're different from, say, having white bread thanks to their vitamin, minerals and fiber content. 5. Mix in healthy fats Healthy fats, which include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, can help regulate blood sugar and protect your heart. The ADA suggests focusing on olive oil, nuts, avocados and certain types of fish. 6. Load up on nutrient-dense food Foods with high nutritional value support good blood sugar management while giving you the vitamins and minerals you need for good health. The ADA suggests looking for foods that have a good mix of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and fiber. 7. Hydrate responsibly Water and zero-calorie drinks are a better choice for blood sugar management than options that contain added sugar, per the the ADA recommends using the "diabetes plate" strategy. This is designed to be a jumping-off point for creating healthy meals. With this strategy, take a nine-inch plate and fill half of it with non-starchy vegetables (think: broccoli, spinach, asparagus). From there, have lean proteins fill one-quarter of your plate. The other one-quarter should focus on quality carbs like starchy vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products or whole grains.'Portion control and consistent meal timing help reduce glucose variability throughout the day,' says Dr. Jaisinghani. Focusing on good hydration, quality sleep and doing what you can to manage stress levels is also important, she adds. Of course, if you know you have high A1C levels and you've done all of this, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider. They should be able to look at your current management strategy and provide personalized advice from there. Up Next:Sources: Type 2 Diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention What Is the A1C Test? American Diabetes Association Dr. Chelsey Baldwin, MD, endocrinologist and assistant professor of medicine at GW Medical Faculty Associates Dr. Christoph Buettner, MD, Ph.D., chief of the division of endocrinology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Dr. Priya Jaisinghani, MD, endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist at NYU Langone Health Petrus, R.; Sobral, P.; et al. The NOVA classification system: A critical perspective in food science, Trends in Food Science & Technology, 2021. Tips for Eating Well. American Diabetes Association Endocrinologists Are Begging People With High A1C Levels To Stop Doing This One Thing ASAP first appeared on Parade on Jul 24, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MO residents to receive prescription refill waivers following storms
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Some Missouri residents will find a bit of relief at their local pharmacy as TRICARE announces prescription refill waivers for Missouri residents. 100 Hy-Vee grocery stores offer free A1C testing in April A series of strong and damaging storms swept across the Midwest this week, leaving many residents looking to rebuild in their wake. Many residents' personal items and property sustained damage throughout the storms in places like . In a way to provide some relief to those affected, the Defense Health Agency announced Thursday that TRICARE beneficiaries in Missouri may be eligible to receive emergency refills from April 3 through April 13. Anthem removes access to MU Health Care for thousands of patients TRICARE says the refill waivers will take effect for all affected counties in Missouri. DHA also suggests residents visit the pharmacy where their initial prescription was filled if possible. When heavy rainfall threatens flooding, here's how you can protect yourself 'Prescriptions filled by a retail chain may be filled at another store in that chain. If the clinician who prescribed the medication is available, beneficiaries can ask them to call in a new prescription to any network pharmacy.' To find a network pharmacy near you, beneficiaries can utilize the tool on the Express Scripts website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Grandview Medical Center hosting blood drive
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Grandview Medical Center will host a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Thursday. According to the hospital, the drive will take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the hospital's auditorium. Donors will receive an American Red Cross t-shirt, free A1C testing and a $10 Amazon gift card. Longtime CBS Sports broadcaster Gary Danielson to retire this year Walk-ins are accepted, but donors are encouraged to schedule appointments for the blood drive. Appointments can be made here with the keyword 'GRANDVIEW.' Donors should bring a photo ID or an American Red Cross donor card with them. Free parking will be available in the hospital parking deck, and donors can bring their parking ticket with them for validation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Software developer will expand operations in Starkville
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Camgian Corporation, a software developer specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning, will expand its operations in Starkville. The project is a $2.5 million investment that will create 15 jobs. 'Camgian continues to experience strong growth in Mississippi! With the expansion of our Starkville headquarters, we are excited to drive innovation and create new opportunities for the future,' said Camgian Corporation CEO Gary Butler. Red Cross of Mississippi will offer free A1C testing in March For the expansion, the company will enhance its infrastructure. This will include upgrades to its high-performance computing capacity to support large-scale AI model training and testing. Camgian also will broaden its software development and testing capabilities to keep pace with the increasing market opportunities for its products and services. Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. The city of Starkville and Oktibbeha County are also assisting with the project. Camgian's expansion is a big win for Starkville and the Golden Triangle, bringing more high-tech jobs and reinforcing our region's role in AI innovation. Their investment in advanced computing shows the strength of our local tech sector, and we're excited to support their continued growth,' stated Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins. Camgian Corporation plans to complete the project and fill the new jobs within three years. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Red Cross of Southern Missouri offering free A1C testing
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Red Cross of Southern Missouri is offering free A1C testing, which is commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes. The Red Cross of Southern Missouri will start the month-long A1C screening for successful donations on March 1. Donors can expect to get results for the test within one to two weeks and are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider if their A1C levels are elevated. Stockton man dies, four others injured after head-on crash The new A1C offering aims to help bridge that healthcare gap and give donors this important According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of people lack access to regular primary care in the U.S., where diabetes affects one in 10 people and nearly one-quarter of the people living with it have been undiagnosed. Additionally, around 90% of people in the U.S. have type 2 diabetes, the CDC says, which is largely preventable and often reversible. Type 2 can lead to serious health complications, like kidney failure, stroke and heart issues. There are several opportunities across the Ozarks to donate blood with the Red Cross and receive a free A1C screening in the month of March: Camdenton 3/4/2025: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Greenview Elks Lodge #2857, 1460 North State Hwy. 7 Springfield 3/1/2025: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Springfield MO Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B 3/2/2025: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Springfield MO Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B 3/3/2025: 11 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Springfield MO Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B 3/4/2025: 11 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Springfield MO Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B 3/7/2025: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Springfield MO Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B 3/8/2025: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Springfield MO Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B 3/9/2025: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Springfield MO Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B 3/10/2025: 11 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Springfield MO Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B 3/11/2025: 11 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Springfield MO Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B 3/14/2025: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Springfield MO Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B 3/15/2025: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Springfield MO Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B Carthage 3/6/2025: 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Church of the Nazarene, 2000 Grand Lebanon 3/5/2025: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Lebanon Family YMCA, 500 E Elm St Neosho 3/4/2025: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., St. Canera Catholic Church, 504 S. Washington St. Gainesville 3/4/2025: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Gainesville High School, 422 Bulldog Dr Bolivar 3/14/2025: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1575 E Mt. Gilead Rd Osceola 3/5/2025: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Osceola High School, 76 SE HWY WW Kimberling City 3/5/2025: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Our Lady Of The Cove Catholic Church, 20 Kimberling Boulevard Forsyth 3/7/2025: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Elks Lodge, 12951 US-160 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
