HbA1C (Glycated Haemoglobin): Important Numbers (Part 1)
 
Haemoglobin is the protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen to your cells and then takes carbon dioxide to your lungs to be released when you exhale. Blood sugar (glucose) sticks to haemoglobin. Red blood cells live for about 3 months and a HbA1C blood test measures how much glucose has stuck to your haemoglobin.
 
Glycated (exposure to glucose) haemoglobin is one of the most important tests you can get. High HbA1C means there is a lot of glucose stuck to haemoglobin and is a measure of whether you have Type 2 Diabetes or at a higher risk of developing it.

Blood sugar (glucose in your blood) is normal. After you have eaten carbohydrates your blood sugar rises. Your pancreas produces the hormone Insulin to take blood sugar from your blood and into your cells to be used as energy or stored. High blood sugar (HbA1C) means that either your pancreas has reduced ability to make insulin, or your cells have developed insulin resistance. Both these cause blood sugar to rise and this gets stuck to haemoglobin.

HbA1C below 40 is (supposedly) normal. 40-49 shows someone is pre-diabetic and someone who is above 50 has Type 2 Diabetes. My view is that healthy people should have levels below 38. All adults should know their HbA1C. It is one of the most important health numbers as it gives you a window into your body’s metabolism.
 
What to do if you have elevated HbA1C?
 
Carbohydrates rapidly raise blood sugar. Simple carbohydrates such as sugar and refined carbs are rapidly converted into blood sugar. Complex carbs such as wholegrains, convert more slowly to glucose. Fats and proteins have much less immediate impact on blood sugar and will over time reduce HbA1C.
 
The fastest way to lower HbA1c is to significantly reduce sugars and refined carbs. You should also reduce total carbs and replace these with quality higher fat foods and proteins. The fastest way to spike blood sugar are high sugar food or drink consumed away from meals. You are far better to eat sugar with a meal than as a between meal snack. For example, a drink of fruit juice away from food will rapidly spike blood sugar. It will have less effect with food.
 
However, we should wean ourselves off high sugar drinks as these contribute to high blood sugar. You should also supplement with the trace minerals Chromium and Vanadium. These help Insulin to be more effective in transporting blood sugar to your cells.  Both these are in Cell eXtra.
 
Statins and blood sugar.
 
Recent studies have shown that taking statin medications, which are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol, can significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In fact, research indicates that over 35% of people on statins—including those with no previous history of diabetes—may experience an elevated risk. The mechanism behind this is thought to involve statins affecting the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, potentially leading to higher HbA1C levels and insulin resistance. Therefore, individuals taking statins should have their blood sugar and HbA1C monitored regularly and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.
 
Statin medications can impair the function of pancreatic beta cells by reducing levels of ubiquinone (also known as coenzyme Q10). Ubiquinone plays a crucial role in cellular energy production, and lower levels may hinder the beta cells’ ability to produce insulin effectively. This can contribute to higher blood sugar levels and increased HbA1C, especially in those taking statins. If you are on statins, I strongly recommend you supplement with CoQsol®. This is our high quality, naturally fermented Co enzyme Q10. Please contact me if you have questions.