HbA1c - All about long-term blood sugar levels

Written by Lena, Nutritionist (M.Sc. Medical Nutrition)

The HbA1c level, also known as the long-term blood glucose level, is a crucial metric for the control of diabetes and the evaluation of average blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. It provides important information about the long-term glucose load in the body and is therefore of great importance for the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diabetes.

In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at HbA1c levels, what they mean, how they're measured, and why they're so important for people with diabetes.

Topics at a glance

What does HbA1c stand for and why is this value so important?
What HbA1c levels are normal?
What are the consequences of a high HbA1c value?
How can I lower my HbA1c level?
What role do carbohydrates play?
Everything under control with Almased
What Almased customers have to say!

What does HbA1c stand for and why is this value so important?

The abbreviation HbA1c stands for haemoglobin A1c, i.e. a specific form of haemoglobin (HbA) to which a sugar molecule has been attached. Sometimes HbA1 is simply used as a short form.

Haemoglobin is a protein in our blood that is particularly important for the transport of oxygen. Due to its iron content, it also promotes the red colour of our blood and is often called a blood pigment.

If blood sugar is elevated over a longer period of time, glucose molecules accumulate on haemoglobin and haemoglobin A1c is produced. HbA1c is a well-suited marker of long-term elevated sugar because this is only present if there have been problems with blood sugar control in the body over a period of time.

In medicine, it is a critical value for the control of type 1 diabetes as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus.

What HbA1c levels are normal?

In healthy adults, HbA1c value should be below 5.7%, meaning that only about 5 out of 100 haemoglobin molecules carry a so-called glycosylation - an attached sugar molecule.

If the value is slightly higher, prediabetes is exhibited. As such, the absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates in the body is impaired, but diabetes is not present. Acting now can ensure a positive outcome for your own health.

If the HbA1c level exceeds the limit of 6.5%, glucose metabolism is disrupted and diabetes is diagnosed. At this critical time, getting rid of old habits and embarking on a healthier lifestyle is necessary!

What are the consequences of a high HbA1c value?

If our red blood cells (erythrocytes) have bound many sugar particles to their surface, this is particularly bad for our blood vessels as well as blood circulation. In our smaller blood vessels, these oxygen-laden erythrocytes struggle to get through. The attached sugar molecules subsequently increase the surface area of the blood cells, the outcome of which is that they are unable to pass through all vessels. Oxygen is prevented from being transported into vital tissues - blood circulation is no longer guaranteed and, in worst cases, parts of the tissue die without adequate oxygen supply.

The consequential damage of high HbA1c values includes retinal damage and also damage to the kidneys and nerves, which are primarily supplied by small blood vessels.

In addition to circulatory disorders, damage to larger vessels is also a consequence of glycosylated haemoglobin. For example, deposits can form on the vessel walls, which are the cause of heart attacks or strokes. Furthermore, permanently high blood sugar also increases susceptibility to infections.

How can I lower my HbA1c level?

If you want to get your blood sugar back under control, paying particular attention to a healthy diet and adequate exercise is key. This is because type 2 diabetes and prediabetes is, in most cases, the result of unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Frequent consumption of white flour products and sugary drinks combined with little physical activity can lead to impaired metabolism faster than you think. With our body not being able to cope with the high amounts of glucose released, blood sugar levels get out of control.

The good thing about it: With the right diet, we can make it easier for our body to regulate blood sugar again and revive your metabolism. Almased special formula helps you to find your way back to balance!

What role do carbohydrates play?

Carbohydrates make up a large part of our diet and are an important source of energy for our body. During the digestion process, the complex carbohydrate structures from our food are broken down into small glucose molecules and released into the blood. They are therefore largely responsible for our blood sugar levels.

Nevertheless, carbohydrate-rich foods such as cereal products or fruit should not be completely abandoned. After all, these contain important vitamins as well as fibre.

Instead, it is particularly important for people with elevated HbA1c to pay attention to carbohydrate quality. High-quality whole grains, oatmeal and potatoes cause blood sugar levels to rise slowly, allowing for better blood sugar control. Fruit with a high fructose content and pastries made from white flour on the other hand, tend to have unfavourable effects.

Everything under control with Almased

Due to the special manufacturing process and the low proportion of carbohydrates, Almased has been clinically proven to have a regulating effect on blood sugar levels. The three main ingredients; soya, yogurt and honey ensure an optimal nutrient ratio designed to support your metabolism. Scientific studies ^(1,2,3) have shown that regular use of Almased lowers HbA1c levels.

What Almased customers have to say!

Dr Kurt B - “My wardrobe had definitely become too tight for me and the scales were clearly in the three-digit range… I decided to finally take action… we can both reduce our insulin dose by fifty percent or more after just a few days… As an affected person and patient, as a family doctor with many years of experience in rural practice… I am completely convinced of Almased®.”

Rudolph I - " During the Corona crisis, I had gained significant weight and my Hb1Ac (long-term sugar) was at a level that would have required an inpatient stay to adjust me to insulin… I decided to participate in a diabetes study with medical supervision… Diet management was supported by Almased… In the beginning, my fasting blood sugar was threateningly high… Already in the first days of the 1st week there were considerable changes, my fasting blood sugar was on the decline… I was concerned with my type 2 diabetes and the reduction of my fasting blood sugar… which I now have under control."

In addition to nutrition, the important levers for increased HbA1c are regular exercise and weight reduction. In all areas, Almased is the ideal companion to find your way back to a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

1 Meal replacement reduces insulin requirement, HbA1c and weight long-term in type 2 diabetes patients with >100 U insulin per day - PubMed (nih.gov)

2 Individualized Meal Replacement Therapy Improves Clinically Relevant Long-Term Glycemic Control in Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Patients - PubMed (nih.gov)

3 Prediabetes Conversion to Normoglycemia Is Superior Adding a Low-Carbohydrate and Energy Deficit Formula Diet to Lifestyle Intervention-A 12-Month Subanalysis of the ACOORH Trial - PubMed (nih.gov)

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