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The Question
02/03/12 10:02 PM

"If I have reduced my a1c levels to 5.5 thru diet and exercise, what amount of sugar is acceptable to stay at this level?"
Asked By: sbeetz@aol.com  
Category: Food and Nutrition

Background Info Hide
I have been following a very strict diet of no sugar and very low carbs. Lots of vegetables and protein, limited fat and ocassional sugar substitutes for tea. I exercise every day either a 30 minute walk or wii fit. I take metformin 500 mg, it was twice a day but with my new blood results my doctor has reduced to once a day. Would like to know if adding small amounts of sugar, like coffee with a flavored creamer would be okay? Or snacks with mre carbs?

Expert Answers (1)

02/08/12 08:15 PM

Thank you for your question. First, congratulations on achieving such an outstanding A1C level by changing your diet and exercise routine! Without knowing more details, it's hard to say but certainly adding back very small amounts of carbs should be ok. Just try it and then test your blood sugar to see the effects. In order to maintain good blood sugar control, you should continue to eat an adequate amount of protein (such as fish, poultry and eggs) and fiber (from veggies, beans and measured whole grains) throughout the day. Of course, staying physically active will help you manage your weight and control your blood glucose levels.

Continuing to eat fewer carbs (and limiting refined and simple carbs) should always be part of your diabetes management plan. If you start eating too many additional carbs (and refined sugar), your A1C might start to creep back up!

I would recommend meeting with a registered dietitian/certified diabetes educator to further evaluate your needs. A nutrition professional who is well versed in diabetes care can help you incorporate your food preferences into a meal plan which will control your blood sugar levels and help you to maintain an acceptable hemoglobin A1C level. Please continue to monitor your blood sugar levels and visit your doctor regularly. Please keep us posted on your progress!
Answered By: Susan Weiner
Accreditations: R.D., M.S., C.D.E.,C.D.N.
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Community Answers (5)

04/22/12 01:49 AM

Congratulations on your good Ha1c level. The expert gave good advice, but be careful of the carbs. Since Ha1c is an average of glucose levels over several months a little flavored creamer in coffee once in a while may be ok, but carbs lurk in many processed foods, not just sugar. Add small servings of fruit, starchy veggies and whole grains gradually and see how your body reacts. Also Google the GI (glycemic index) of foods. Lower GI values are good. Helped me...
Answered By: betnich
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04/18/12 04:12 AM

Congrats on lowering your A1C score. I am interested in knowing what source of protein you used. I am trying to wean myself off of metformin too. I would not use sugar but try using Stevia. Sugar is addictive. One spoonful leads to two, three, and so on.
Answered By: ymaguirre
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02/22/12 05:49 PM

Hi sbeetz, The expert here had very good advice. I would only point out one thing... If you are pleased with taking oral meds "only" once per day instead of twice, you may be able to add some sugar and stay at your current levels but I doubt it. Keep in mind, the body normally has ample reserve capacity when needed for metabolizing excess blood glucose. This is not true in your case as witnessed by the fact you are still on oral meds. You may want to get your blood glucose normal without any meds/insulin before re-introducing more of the same "foods" that caused the diabetes in the first place. I know some people say sugar doesn't cause diabetes... To them I say, take your glucose reading, take some sugar, then take your glucose again in 1 hour. See what happens. This isn't rocket science. So, congrats on your progress. You're almost there. You wouldn't let "a little more" water into a sinking ship just as you are about to get it under control. Don't "re-consider" here. You can get the control and health you're looking for, just don't sabotage all your great efforts up to now. Good luck!
Answered By: kenhampshire
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02/22/12 05:47 PM

Hi sbeetz, The expert here had very good advice. I would only point out one thing... If you are pleased with taking oral meds "only" once per day instead of twice, you may be able to add some sugar and stay at your current levels but I doubt it. Keep in mind, the body normally has ample reserve capacity when needed for metabolizing excess blood glucose. This is not true in your case as witnessed by the fact you are still on oral meds. You may want to get your blood glucose normal without any meds/insulin before re-introducing more of the same "foods" that caused the diabetes in the first place. I know some people say sugar doesn't cause diabetes... To them I say, take your glucose reading, take some sugar, then take your glucose again in 1 hour. See what happens. This isn't rocket science. So, congrats on your progress. You're almost there. You wouldn't let "a little more" water into a sinking ship just as you are about to get it under control. Don't "re-consider" here. You can get the control and health you're looking for, just don't sabotage all your great efforts up to now. Good luck!
Answered By: kenhampshire
FLAG
SourcesShow


02/22/12 12:24 PM

Hi sbeetz, The expert here had very good advice. I would only point out one thing... If you are pleased with taking oral meds "only" once per day instead of twice, you may be able to add some sugar and stay at your current levels but I doubt it. Keep in mind, the body normally has ample reserve capacity when needed for metabolizing excess blood glucose. This is not true in your case as witnessed by the fact you are still on oral meds. You may want to get your blood glucose normal without any meds/insulin before re-introducing more of the same "foods" that caused the diabetes in the first place. I know some people say sugar doesn't cause diabetes... To them I say, take your glucose reading, take some sugar, then take your glucose again in 1 hour. See what happens. This isn't rocket science. So, congrats on your progress. You're almost there. You wouldn't let "a little more" water into a sinking ship just as you are about to get it under control. Don't "re-consider" here. You can get the control and health you're looking for, just don't sabotage all your great efforts up to now. Good luck!
Answered By: kenhampshire
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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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