My last AIC was 7.1, I am not taking insulin or any medication (was 10.1 when identified 2 years back, now A1C is 7.1). I believe that I can drop my A1C below that with tightening up the diet and stepping up my exercise program more -- I want to stay away from meds as long as possible. What do you think?
Congratulations. That's a great accomplishment. Excercise is the best medecine. Exercise and TZD's are the only ways to sensitize the muscle and fat to insulin, and promote the mobilization of free fatty acids from where they shouldn't be to where they should. If you can keep tight control with just diet and excercise that's great. However, keep in mind that in the last two years plus your elevated A1C's have been wreaking havoc on your body. Micro and macrovascular complications are already in the developement stage. So, if you are not able to lower your levels quickly and keep them lower, medication would probably be a good addition.
Jason, what are TZDs?
TZD's, or Thiazolidinediones, are a class of oral antidiabetic medications. They act by binding to the PPAR gamma receptor inside the cell, activating transcription and reducing the resistance on the insulin signaling pathway.
In order for glucose to enter a cell, a number of things must occur. Insulin must first bind to the insulin receptor on the outside of the cell. This in turn sends a message inside the cell, of moblization and multiplication. The cell must mobilize GLUT 4 molicules to the cell surface. They act sort of like ushers to usher glucose into the cell. The cell must then muliply the GLUT 4 molecules because some of them are lost in the process of "ushering." Type 2 diabetes is often referred to as a post receptor defect because of the resistance on the insulin signaling pathway. The message of mobilization and multiplication doesn't really get communicated. Thus, the GLUT 4 molecules never make it to the cell surface, and therefore, glucose doesn't get uptaked by the cell. Hence high blood glucose levels.
When this happens the cells are starving for energy. They trigger the breakdown of free fatty acids, which can be freely uptaked by the cells to be used for energy. Free fatty acids are also utilized by the liver to produce glucose in a process called gluconeogenesis.
I know this is a little lengthy, but hope it helps.
Jason
A1c level tell you haw good you have been maneging diabetes for last 2 to 3 months
As you are telling us is that your A1c level was 10.1 and now is 7.1 . You have really make big improvement but still you have to lower it a bit.
A1c level must be under 7.
For more check the source of this info about Normal A1c level
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Thanks Jason