A Marker for Blood Glucose Control
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measures the percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) that are saturated with glucose. Saturation of RBCs occurs when blood glucose is elevated. The higher the HbA1c, the higher the estimated average blood glucose. HbA1c is generally considered to be correlated with the average blood glucose over 2-3 months.
The higher the average blood glucose, the more damage that’s done to delicate blood vessel linings, retinal tissue and microvasculature of the extremities and retina. Damage to these are contributors to all the complications that diabetics face.
Out of control diabetes usually correlates with HbA1c of above 7, which correlates with an average blood glucose of 154 or more. I’ve had patients with levels of 10 or more, suggesting that their average blood glucose is 240 or higher. Doctors consider their diabetic patients to be well controlled when their HbA1c is is between 6 and 7. (126-154) Yet study after study demonstrates serious damage to vasculature, retina, pancreas and nerves when blood sugar exceeds 120. Some studies report damage when glucose rises above 100!
So what’s an ideal HbA1C? Most functional medicine practitioners aim for between 4.5 and 5 (average glucose between 82 and 97).
If you’re working with clients and you would like them to have the advantage of balanced blood sugar, get their HbA1C tested. They can order through Direct Labs.
For lots more details about managing your client’s blood sugar, check out www.InsulinResistancePactitioner.com.
With love and appreciation,
Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo
What additional questions or comments do you have regarding the interpretation of Hemoglobin A1C? Comment below!
Share this:
Are you feeling stuck?
Do you feel as if something is missing from your practice that's keeping you from delivering breakthrough outcomes for your clients?.
Recent Posts
Our Programs
Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
The Mastery and Certification tier is our flagship program and provides everything you need to feel confident as a practitioner who knows how to get results that lead to healthy and happy clients.
Functional Assessment Mastery
Explore the relationships between the most important hormones and their relationship with nutrition.
Functional Nutrition Mastery
Learn how to support your clients to eat and supplement in a way that reduces and eliminates chronic symptoms.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo, drritamarie.com, and the experts who have contributed. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
Disclosure: Sometimes (but not always), when I share resources in my programs, newsletter, and on my website, I'm using an affiliate link, which means I do make money if you buy. My credibility is extremely important to me; therefore, I only endorse the products, services, and people I believe in. DrRitamarie.com is independently owned and the opinions expressed here are my own.
Click here to see our Privacy Policy.
