HbA1c Testing Guide: Understanding Blood Sugar Control

Author: Michael Aaron

Medical Reviewer: Jen Katz CFNC, NBCDP, NBCHC

What Is Hemoglobin A1c? Understanding Your Body's Blood Sugar Whisperer

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is like your body's long-term blood sugar diary. It's a key marker of metabolic health, especially when it comes to prediabetes and diabetes. HbA1c measures how much sugar (glucose) has attached to your red blood cells over the past two to three months. Imagine your red blood cells getting a little "sticky" from too much sugar—this is what happens when glucose levels are high. By tracking this stickiness, your HbA1c offers a big-picture view of how well your body is managing blood sugar over time.

Why is this so important? Unlike a quick blood sugar check, which can vary depending on the time of day or your last meal, HbA1c gives a steady, reliable snapshot of your blood sugar control. Managing it well isn't just about avoiding diabetes—it's about protecting your heart, nerves, kidneys, and overall health.

What's the Sweet Spot for HbA1c Levels?

In functional medicine, the goal isn't just to avoid deficiency—it's about achieving levels that optimize health. While traditional ranges consider HbA1c below 5.7% as non-diabetic, functional medicine targets 4.8–5.4% for optimal wellness.

Did You Know?

Your HbA1c doesn't just reflect your diet and exercise habits—it's influenced by other factors too!

Stress and Sleep: Chronic stress and poor sleep can elevate cortisol, a hormone that spikes blood sugar.
Hormones and Health Conditions: Hormonal imbalances or iron-deficiency anemia may skew your results.
Genetics: Some people with rare hemoglobin variants might see inaccurate readings.

This is why regular testing and a holistic health approach are game-changers for managing HbA1c effectively.

Why Your Hemoglobin A1c Levels Matter

Think of HbA1c as a health compass—it points you toward critical areas of well-being:

Blood Sugar Stability: Helps reduce the risk of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.
Heart Health: Lowers the chances of heart attack, stroke, and vascular damage.
Sharper Mind and Energy: High blood sugar is linked to brain fog, fatigue, and mood swings. Managing HbA1c can keep you energized and focused.

Tips to Optimize Your HbA1c

Ready to get your HbA1c in the optimal range? Here's how:

Eat Smart

Choose low-glycemic foods like leafy greens, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
Limit sugar and refined carbs to avoid those nasty glucose spikes.
Load up on fiber-rich foods like beans, nuts, and seeds—they slow sugar absorption and keep you full longer.

Get Moving

Exercise boosts insulin sensitivity, helping your body use sugar more efficiently.
Mix it up: try aerobic activities, strength training, and even yoga for flexibility.

Sleep and De-Stress

Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep.
Manage stress with tools like meditation, deep breathing, or nature walks. Chronic stress isn't just a mood killer—it's a sugar spiker too.

Test and Track

Keep tabs on your HbA1c every 3–6 months to see how lifestyle changes are working.
Experiencing fatigue, thirst, or frequent urination? Talk to your healthcare provider about testing sooner.

Optimizing Your Levels: The Keyspan Approach

While HbA1c supplements are widely available, choosing the right one—and the right dose—matters significantly for optimization. Keyspan's precision supplementation program takes the guesswork out of HbA1c optimization by:

Tailoring your supplement dosage to your specific lab results
Using premium blood sugar support nutrients with optimal absorption
Including essential cofactors like chromium and magnesium for better glucose metabolism
Adjusting your protocol based on regular testing
Delivering personalized daily packets for consistent intake

Take Charge of Your HbA1c and Health

Your HbA1c is more than just a number—it's a powerful guide to long-term vitality. By taking control of this marker, you can improve your blood sugar stability, protect against chronic diseases, and unlock a healthier, happier you.

Ready to optimize your HbA1c levels? Work with a Keyspan health coach to create your personalized testing and optimization plan.

Get started with Keyspan