'Normal' HbA1c and Artery Blockage (More Bad Advice)

HbA1c is a measure of glycated (sugar-clogged) hemoglobin in your blood over the last 3 months. Many of us are told by our doctor that our A1c is a "little high" but nothing to worry about. This is bad advice and can lead to blocked arteries down the road.

New research shows that you should have only one goal when it comes to your HbA1c and this video explains it all. Know your A1c and know what your goal-A1c really should be. Your health depends on it.

Research:

subtitulado en español, مترجم بالاسبانية, с субтитрами на испанском, स्पेनिश में उपशीर्षक

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Ken D Berry, MD, is a Family Physician and has been practicing Family Medicine in Tennessee for over 20 years, having seen over 25,000 patients in his career so far.
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[GMAAndy]

I eat a low carb diet. I am 61 years old with family history of heart disease. I have high cholesterol. My doctor wanted to put me on 80 mg of Lipitor. I Said no I wanted a heart CT. She said it wasn’t a good test and that she had never ordered one before. I had it and I scored zero. I had a cardiology consult. The cardiology PA said I didn’t need a statin since I scored zero. There is a huge medical disconnect here....

[eddiegonzales]

My last A1C was 4.2. My doctor says that’s the lowest he had ever seen. Keto/carnivore for 3 years. 💪🏼

[SouthernShodan]

Right before the holidays, I started having blurred near vision with my glasses all of a sudden. Eye doctor visit showed everything fine, but doc told be to check my blood sugar at my GP visit. Scheduled a visit in January and my A1c came back as 13.7 (I have a copy of the labs). Was put on insulin immediately. I started researching what Dr. Berry and Dr. Fung were saying about it being an insulin problem vs. a blood sugar problem. Changed my diet: low carb + fasting. My follow up A1c in April was 5.1 (have a copy of those labs as well). No more vision issues. I understand now that the vision issue was from high glucose levels pulling water into the lens. If I had listened to my GP, I'd still be on insulin (I got to stop taking it w/in 2 weeks) and probably have gained 10-15 lbs. I've went from a jacket size of 46 to a 42 and I can wear size 34 waist pants (down from 38's). I can't stress just how valuable a service people like Dr. Berry are providing.

[rosemarycrosman]

I argued with my primary about my A1C, which was 6.3. I started eating like a diabetic, lost 50 lbs, and got my A1C down to 5.8 a few weeks ago. Still working on getting it lower.

[shrekvt]

I told my doctor that I have a family history of diabetes and would like to have my A1C measured and monitor it. He said fasting glucose is good enough, so now I'm looking for a new doctor.

[thelostmutant]

I believe most physicians refuse to listen because they have ceased seeking knowledge. You are a fantastic physician because you never closed your eyes in your search for the truth. You sir are a blessing to humanity.

[jeffrygreene]

At age 76 my A1C is 5.0 (Highest ever was 6.4 4 years ago)....over the last 3 years my highest was 5.2...I don't do Keto/Carnivore, but I do low carb and intermittent fast at 20/4..Following Dr Berry and Dr Berg has changed my life...no health issues and very active

[christinekaye]

I'm a diabetic and my last A1c was 5.2. My doctor is very excited. I've been off Glipizide for a month and my afternoon glucose reading was 88. I eat mostly protein and healthy fats along with a small serving (3 times a week) of vegetables such as sauerkraut, asparagus, spinach, or artichoke hearts. I've been low-carb for several years, the last couple of which I was eating <20 grams of carbs a day. I'm a happy lady.

[HexagonNightmare]

A1C is in normal range at 6 but my Dr told me to immediately change my diet n get that number lower regardless. When I went in for something else a month later, she was delighted I lost over twenty pounds n eagerly listened to what I had done with my diet. I'm blessed to have her, she's supportive of this lifestyle and always suggests diet intervention first regarding allergies and diabetes.

[alphacause]

In short, the correlation between HbA1c and arterial plaquing is far greater than the amount of cholesterol one has in relation to arterial plaquing. When it comes to cardiovascular disease it is NOT about the cholesterol. Its about the damage that the arterial walls incur as a result of fluctuations in blood sugar, which weaponizes cholesterol and turns it from a benign and beneficial thing, to a plaquing agent. Focusing on cholesterol, instead of blood glucose, is like focusing on the oxygen in the air instead of the matches and gasoline when investigating an arson. Yes, oxygen (i.e. cholesterol) is present at the scene of the crime, because the fire (i.e. the plaquing) could not exist without it. However, what causes oxygen to fuel the fire are the matches and gasoline (i.e. high blood sugar).

[artzymac]

I’m a 57 years old started seeing a new doctor last month. I haven’t been to a doctor in 4 years. I started a low carb almost zero sugar way of eating. Fast 18 hours a day sometimes do a 24, 48, and occasionally a 72 hour fast. I lost 70 pounds and have stayed in that range over two years. Great energy haven’t felt better. So my new doctor did bloodwork said my liver kidneys everything great, except I have dangerously high cholesterol. So he told me to avoid the meat butter and all the things that have helped me lose the weight and make me feel so much better. And of course per scribed a cholesterol medication. Well I’ve decided to stick to what’s made me feel better. Doctors work with pharmaceuticals to make the money and push pills.

[suethompson]

My A1c is 6.3, and my dr told me I am diabetic, and will always be diabetic, just a "controlled diabetic." Time for a new dr???
Update: my A1c is now 5.3

[HeyItsTasha]

I just wanted to start by saying i also live in TN . I started ketovore/carnivore and my A1C has went down from over 11.5 to 8! Still working towards getting it lower. I have watched everything i can from you and your wife Neisha. Thank you all for opening my eyes to what i need to be doing.

[flipinoa]

I had a coronary event at age 38 in December 2019. My weight was 273lbs and when I look at my charts, my lipid panel at the time was terrible. My HDL was 35, LDL 148, Triglycerides 181, VLDL 36, and Hemo A1c 5.2. Dr. Berry is right...A1c is only one part of the equation.

I began the keto lifestyle with fasting in March 2020. I then had a new lipid panel done in December 2020. HDL went to 43, LDL to 75, Triglycerides 34 and VLDL 7 (I didnt have an A1c done at that time). At that time, I weighed in at 188lbs. I just had a new lipid panel done in June 2021 with A1c as well. HDL is now 53, LDL 71, Triglycerides 26, VLDL 5 and A1c is 4.5. I'm still waiting on my advanced lipid panel to break down the different LDL numbers.

I started out the typical keto, trying to find replacements for my favorite foods like cheescake, rice, bread, etc. Lost like 40lbs from March to September 2020. Then decided to go full carnivore October, and that's when I lost a lot of weight! But after Thanksgiving, I've been following a very strict low carb Mediterranean Keto diet with lots of salmon, sardines, oysters, 100% grass fed beef, lamb, pastured pork, pastured eggs, organs, leafy greens, olives, and some nuts like Brazil nut, pecans and macadamias. Additionally, I do OMAD most days with a few 2MADs peppered in here and there to keep the body guessing. I fill my meals with protein, fat and some fiber to keep me satiated. I finally understand the difference between hunger and cravings. At this moment, I am 168lbs.

My doctors have finally agreed to reduce my statins. They've also taken me off Plavix and the blood pressure meds, and cut my beta blockers in half.

This lifestyle is sustainable, and it works. Dr. Berry, Dr. Fung, Maria Emmerich among others have really opened my eyes to how the body really works. Thank you, Dr. Berry!

[libertyswarrior]

In July of 2020 I had an A1C of 9.7, I made the decision to get my health under control. I have now lost 102lbs and have an A1C of 4.9 when i did my last blood/urine tests. I did it by eating low carb and cutting out all the junk, so it can be done. I feel the best I've felt in three decades, I'm 51 and never going back to that life. Dr. Berry and many others I have taken advice and guidance from on my journey to get healthier. I thank them all.

[latemecare]

I lowered my HbA1c from 8.5 to 5.3. It's time to aim lower. New goals!

[ChuckMcC]

I am truly convinced that elevated A1C, insulin levels and insulin resistance causes a inflammatory state and is the very cause of atherosclerosis...

[jizzaymz]

The "goal" is 6.5 because if everyone got it down to 4.8 (or lower) they would be out of business 🤔

[eksw_i_bouli_twn_prodotwn]

1 year of keto and my a1c is down to 4, 1. Admittedly i was a bit scared before watching this video as i thought it might be too low. Thanks doc.

[marvindiamonjr.]

I lost 85 pounds, dropped my A1C to 5.5 (so far), shed my arthritis, and feel years younger. I've struggled with health issues for years with the help of my doctor. By going carnivore last November, I've witnessed an astounding change in my overall health (which just keeps improving day after day). I asked my doctor why he didn't give me that advice. He said that they don't teach those things in med school. I find myself debating my health care with him. He plays the averages on hundreds of patients. I play the details on myself. Averages just aren't good enough. My A1C is gradually dropping and I, like you, think that there is no such thing as good enough. Under 5.7? Better, but why stop trying? Even if I get to better than average, that's not good enough!