070: What Is An A1c Laboratory Test

Simple, Healthy Choices for Weight Loss

In this episode, Dr. Steve dives into the critical topic of the A1C laboratory test, an essential tool for monitoring blood sugar levels and managing diabetes. He aims to give listeners the knowledge they need, explaining why the A1C test is crucial for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Steve shows how A1C levels and average blood sugar are connected and how diet affects these important health signs. He supports eating more animal proteins, highlighting how good nutrition can prevent and reverse diabetes and improve health.

[00:01 - 03:32] Understanding A1C Tests

A1C tests are crucial for managing blood glucose in obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The US faces high obesity and type 2 diabetes rates compared to countries like China and Japan.

Man-made foods with harmful ingredients fuel the health crisis.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, manageable through diet.

[03:33 - 10:41] Understanding Hemoglobin A1C

A1C measures glucose attachment to hemoglobin over 3-4 months, reflecting recent blood glucose levels.

Red blood cell lifecycle links to hemoglobin's oxygen transport and glucose attachment.

Hemoglobin function in gas exchange is pH-dependent, affecting oxygen and carbon dioxide transport.

Differentiates adult (A) from fetal (F) hemoglobin, focusing on adult hemoglobin's glucose attachment.

[10:42 - 17:09] Understanding A1C and Glucose Levels

A1C measures glucose bonded to hemoglobin, indicating 3-4 month blood sugar averages.

Various factors, including iron levels and certain health conditions, impact A1C accuracy.

EAG calculators translate A1C levels to average glucose, aiding in blood sugar monitoring.

Revised A1C standards post-2009 reflect controversial shifts in diabetes diagnosis criteria.

[17:10 - 22:07] Closing Segment

A1C, or hemoglobin A1C, measures glucose attached to hemoglobin, indicating average blood sugar levels.

A1C below 8 is manageable without diabetic medication; focus on reducing carbohydrate intake.

Reject the myth that type 2 diabetes is irreversible; proper nutrition can improve insulin resistance and health overall.

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Tweetable Quotes:

“The more carbohydrates you eat, the more glucose you're putting in your body, the higher insulin levels go and the more insulin resistance you get.” - Dr. Steve Hughlett

“Type 2 diabetes is not a problem of high blood glucose. That is a symptom of the underlying problem. The actual problem is insulin resistance.” - Dr. Steve Hughlett

“An A1c that's less than eight, you're still fine. You do not need to be on diabetic medications if you will change your nutrition.” - Dr. Steve Hughlett

“Anything that affects your red blood cells will also affect your A1C.” - Dr. Steve Hughlett