A1C is a test that measures your average blood glucose levels over the past three months. It’s often used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and it can also help you monitor whether your diabetes management plan is effective. The result is reported as a percentage—higher percentages mean higher average blood glucose levels.

If your A1C results are higher than expected, it can feel discouraging. But remember, your value as a person isn’t tied to this number—you are more than a test result. Instead of viewing your lab results as failures, see them as opportunities to learn and improve.

It’s normal to feel disappointed, but acknowledging those feelings is the first step toward growth. Use this moment to evaluate what might need adjusting in your diabetes management plan. Diabetes is heavily influenced by lifestyle factors, so consider your current habits around nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and medication. Any of these areas might need a bit more attention. Collaborating with your healthcare team can help you make necessary changes. Every step forward, even the difficult ones, moves you closer to better health. Keep going!

Learning Through Experience to Improve Your A1C

Experiential learning means learning by doing, then reflecting on what happened. When applied to your health, it can help you understand your body better and give you a greater sense of control. Each time you try something new, whether it works or not, you gain valuable feedback that helps shape future decisions.

 

When you take action and reflect on how it affects you physically and mentally, you become both the student and the teacher. By paying attention to how your body responds in different situations, you can discover what works best for you. 

If you’re unsure how to notice changes, use your Trackables to note days when your blood sugar is well-managed or when you feel more energized than usual. By tracking these experiences, you become a student of your own health, identifying patterns and becoming the ‘expert’ on your body. With this knowledge, you can guide yourself toward healthier habits over time. No one knows your body better than you do. 

Planning Step-by-Step Goals 

Setting small, achievable goals can make a big difference. For example, adding more vegetables to your meals or going for regular walks can help you see how these changes affect your blood sugar and A1C over time. By experimenting with these habits, you’ll learn how your body responds and continue making choices that improve your health. 

Remember, A1C levels won’t change from actions done once or twice. Start with one or two healthy habits a week, gradually increasing your efforts. As you try these changes, pay attention to how they affect your A1C—each new habit gives you feedback to refine your strategies and stay positive. Embracing experiential learning turns challenges into opportunities for growth and better health. 

A Holistic Approach to Diabetes Management 

Managing diabetes goes beyond diet and exercise. It involves a holistic approach that includes staying hydrated, getting sunlight, maintaining social support, quality sleep, managing stress, and consistently practicing healthy habits. Avoiding harmful behaviors like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is also crucial. By integrating these elements into your routine, you can significantly improve your A1C and overall well-being. 

Where Should You Start? 

Choose one experience from the list below and aim to do it twice a week. Consistent, small habits can help manage blood sugar and improve your next A1C: 

• Hydration: Drink a glass of water before snacks. Dehydration can sometimes raise blood sugar levels, and thirst is often mistaken for hunger. 

• Body Movement: Walk for 30 minutes daily. You can split it into 10-minute walks after each meal to help lower post-meal blood sugar. 

• Sunlight: Get 15-30 minutes of natural sunlight daily to boost vitamin D, which supports blood sugar control. 

• Nutrition: Add more fruits and vegetables to your meals. They provide nutrients and fiber that help stabilize blood sugar. 

• Social Support: Engage in fun activities with friends or family. Socializing can improve mental health and help maintain healthy habits. 

• Sleep Quality: Stick to a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends. Good sleep balances hormones and supports blood sugar regulation. 

• Stress Management: Dedicate 10 minutes daily to mindfulness, prayer, or deep breathing to lower stress hormones that affect blood sugar. 

Share your choice with your HealthCoach, and they’ll support you in your experiential learning! 

Sending Health Your Way!  

The Tula Clinical Team  

Reviewed by: 
Aubree RN, BSN 
Austin MS, RDN, CSR, LDN, CD