HbA1c Questions Answered + Bonus HACK (What is A1c?)

What's the best test for diabetes? How should I monitor my diabetes? The HbA1c test fits the bill for many people as a way to track diabetes progress and monitor how well your blood sugars have been running. There are a few problems with A1c as a measurement, but for most people, it works great.

The bonus hack at the end really works if time is limited and you need to get your A1c down quickly.

Home A1c Monitor (discount applied):

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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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0:00 Intro to A1c Test
0:38 How does A1c test work?
1:15 Which sugars cause glycation?
1:32 What causes a high A1c?
3:00 Is A1c test accurate?
3:49 Which medical conditions affect A1c reading?
4:42 Will ACV/Cinnamon help lower A1c level?
5:17 is an A1c the only test a diabetic needs?
5:25 What tests does a diabetic need?
6:02 What is a normal A1c level?
8:47 Why do doctors say an A1c under 7 is good?
11:11 How often can I check my A1c level?
11:39 Can you check your A1c at home?
12:41 Which diets lower A1c quickly?
13:58 Hack to lower A1c fast
15:51 How to ask Dr Berry a question directly

[adg]

Thank you Dr berry. I was diagnosed type 2 uncontrolled diabetic 90 days ago exact…switched to a ketogenic lifestyle with time restricted eating …

90 days later reversed my fatty liver, halfed triglycerides, lost 50lbs and rocking a 5.3 A1C thank you sir for helping save my life

[lindasmalleysews]

I have been on metformin since 2006. In March my A1C was 6.1. My doctor told me to eat low carb. That’s when I found your videos. A couple of weeks ago my doctor checked my blood and my A1C was 5.3. I was able to come off of metformin and another med. My doctor said “whatever you’re doing, don’t change a thing.” Thanks for your help!

[Poppy_love]

After three years I just got my A1c back and it is a 4.2 !

[markiangooley]

I’ve been a type 1 diabetic since 1970. For years my A1c was high, then I reduced my carbohydrate consumption. Then it eventually dropped to under 7.0. With care it was around 6.3 mostly. Going carnivore and paying more attention to my blood glucose levels (spurred on by my doctor, someone Dr. Berry probably knows well) has recently reduced it to 4.9 typically. Not sure I can keep that up, but it’s been around that level for most of a year.

[exorcists]

I'm 23 and had a 15.3 A1C. My doctor was surprised I wasn't in a coma. After hearing I was T2 Diabetic I quickly changed my eating habits and in 2 months I lost 80 lbs and dropped my A1C down to 6.

[ilenegallo]

I couldn’t lose weight or get my A1c below 7! A year ago I started eating carnivore with IF. A year later I am 50 lbs. lighter, all my numbers are normal and my A1c is 5.5! Nothing else worked for me! I got so much information from your videos! Thanks!

[debayala]

My was 11.6 now after two of intermittent dieting I’ve got it down to 8.2 which still isn’t great…But I’m working on it. Thanks for the video.

[derhzvb]

Started Dr. Berry’s Proper Human Diet at the end of January 2023. My A1C was 6.1. Checked it again today and it is 5.4! I’ve lost 21 lbs. Blood sugar is averaging 100. I stopped my insulin because my blood sugar was dropping too low; low 70’s - Yikes! Stopped the insulin and it has returned to a good number. Thank you Dr. Berry.

[ginacelovsky]

Mine was 10.6, in 3 mo. Got it down to 5.8!! Only quit the carbs pasta ect, ect and lost 20lbs in that period to

[scottmcdonald]

I stayed on the no sugar an virtually no carb diet for four months (124 days). My H1c dropped from 5.9 (pre diabetes) to 5.2 (normal). It is an awful diet (no bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, pizza, desserts, soups with any of the prior ingredients, or fruits. Yet, it did work for me. I hated every minute but it kicks ass.

[justiceforall]

Dr. Berry, You’re a men of not only a scientific knowledge, but a spiritual wisdom! I love your family your pets and your wide modern nice kitchen! Thank you and to your wife also for all your hard work!!

[leftlane]

Well 4.5 months post type 2 diagnosis made. Me and my VA doc don’t see eye to eye at all. However thanks to countless hours of research I have gone from 280+\- fasting glucose to around 100 in the morning hours. And went from a 42X30 pant size to a 36X30 and that’s smaller than I wore in the military. Thanks Doc B from The Carnivore Trucker Known as the Rev. Left Lane 😎.

[TheLukebilleaudeaux]

I’m 32 years old and been overweight for most of my life. After being diagnosed with high triglycerides, high BP, and high liver enzymes, I went on the keto/carnivore diet. I did a blood test 2 weeks ago. My A1C is 4.1, my Blood Pressure had dropped to normal, and my Liver enzymes were barely elevated.

[gener.]

Strict keto for 2+ years. I get my A1C checked every three months. It has been fluctuating wildly for the last year from 4.8 to 4.9! 😉😂. Four months ago talked my wife into having her blood tested. She scored a 6.3 and I was finally able to convince her that her diet was killing her. She started keto and last week, tested at 5.4. She is now a believer and tells all her family and friends.

[marklinnell]

I use the at home AIC tests last was 4.9. I was diabetic and on meds 4 years ago the keto diet saved my life. Thank you Dr. Berry and Dr. Jason Fung for making my life so much better.

[marlenegold]

Three needed tests:
•HbA1c
•C-peptide
•Fasting Insulin
Ask doctor for a copy of lab results including reference ranges.

[AishaMBudgets]

A year ago my A1C was 15.3!

With medicine, it's come down to 7.4 and with Keto, it's come down in the 6's. I'm hoping for a great A1C at my next appointment and hopefully get off a med or two. Wish me luck!

[paulpladin]

It is a pity that type 1 and type 2 are both called diabetes. They are completely different. I am a type 1, fully insulin dependent and I safely maintain average 4.9% A1c. Have done so for the last 3 years on insulin. BUT! This is only safe and possible with a very strict diet to calm chaotic excursions and the resultant chaotic insulin dosing. Bernstein Rocks!

[sharonhartwick]

After over 1 year on carnivore and my hba1c is down to 4.2. My prediabetes is completely reversed.

[scottbarley]

My HBA1c was 5.1 in March when I had a physical for Life Insurance. Just had my annual physical today, hoping for a sub-5 when I get the results next week. When I said that to my Doctor today, he gave me that smirk. You know the one....