Hit the Blood Sugar “Sweet Spot” (and STAY!)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 7, 2023
When you’re diabetic it seems like EVERYONE (you, your loved ones, your doctor, and heck, sometimes even perfect strangers) become laser-focused on your DAILY blood sugar readings.
And they are an important indicator of how you’re doing, of course. But yesterday I revealed the best way to get a TRUE handle on the disease. And that’s by tracking your hemoglobin a1c (a1c).
The hemoglobin a1c (a1c) is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the last three months.
Focusing on this ONE number can give you the BEST control and the lowest possible risk of heart problems and other diabetes-linked complications.
Today, I’ll reveal the “a1C sweet spot,” according to a breakthrough Korean study… and three simple steps to reach it and STAY there.
When you don’t have diabetes, you want your A1c to be below 5.7 percent. The higher it gets above that, the more likely you’ll develop the disease. But if it’s above 6.5 percent on two different tests, you’re officially a member of the diabetes club.
And that’s where things can get tricky. Because once you HAVE diabetes, the targets are all over the place.
The American Diabetes Association, for example, says you should keep it below 7 percent. A report from Harvard stated anywhere in the 7 to 8 percent range is fine in most cases. And different docs have their own range of what they’ll accept for their patients.
But let’s step back to get a little perspective. When you have diabetes, the goal isn’t to simply hit a number, of course. It’s to stay alive and healthy.
That’s where this study shines. Because it identifies the specific A1c threshold that can send your chances of surviving and thriving—DESPITE your diabetes diagnosis—soaring.
The goal is 6.8 percent. If you fall below that when you have your a1c checked, you’re doing great. Above that, the risks start to climb. And when you hit 7 percent, your odds of a heart attack jump by 27 percent and stroke by 28 percent.
If you haven’t yet tried to reverse your diabetes, it’s worth a try. With a few simple steps, you can send your a1C plummeting and you may no longer need to take all those meds.
- First up is diet, of course. Eliminate added sugars, slash carbohydrates, and dump ultra-processed foods. A low-carb “keto” style diet is perfect for this. On the keto diet, you drastically reduce your sugar and carbohydrates.
- Next, incorporate some exercise into your daily routine. But remember, that doesn’t mean you have to turn into a gym rat or sweat it out for hours. A brisk walk to run errands or a guided yoga or stretching routine you find on YouTube counts, too.
- And finally, add in some natural blood-sugar-supporting supplements such as berberine, chromium, and cinnamon extract.
This approach can dramatically reduce your blood sugar, pushing your a1c into that golden zone of 6.8 percent or less. And instead of needing more drugs to control your diabetes, you might even be able to reduce or TRASH the ones you’re taking.
But don’t do this alone. Keep your doc in the loop. He can monitor your progress and help you adjust your meds along the way.
P.S. Lucky #13 slashes diabetes risk 40%!
Source:
“Association of Prestroke Glycemic Control With Vascular Events During 1-Year Follow-up,” Neurology, 8.21, 10.1212/WNL.0000000000012729; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000012729
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...