Many diabetics have an extremely difficult time managing A1C levels. They often think they’re doing well, only to discover at their next doctor’s visit their A1C is out of control. It’s often the result of grazing rather than maintaining stringent meal times.
What is A1C?
Determining A1C is a simple matter of a blood test. It measures your average blood glucose levels over a 3-month period of time. It tells your physician how well or how poorly you’re controlling and managing the disease.
Meal Eaters and Grazers
There are basically 2 types of eaters. Those who have no problem conforming to a regular meal schedule and seldom snack.
Other people are grazers. They typically don’t eat at regular intervals. Instead, they “graze,” essentially eating several mini meals throughout the day. Formerly known as snackers, they have an extremely difficult time keeping their blood glucose levels under control. Those small bites here and there add up over the course of a day and grazers must test far more often than meal time adherents.
Official Recommendations
Physicians and the American Diabetes Association recommend that diabetics eat 3 meals a day at regular intervals. The daily meal plan also includes 2 small snacks to help maintain blood glucose levels from dropping in the afternoon or overnight.
Pros and Cons
Mini meals can keep energy levels and metabolism high, and make you feel fuller longer. Grazers are less likely to overeat if they consume low carb, lean protein vegetable snacks
There are also disadvantages to grazing. People that have this eating pattern add calories to their daily intake, making it harder to lose or maintain a consistent weight.
Mindful Eating
Few people can afford a chef to provide them with nutritious, diabetes acceptable meals, but there are things you can do to keep blood sugar and A1C readings under control.
- Take a diabetic cooking class
- Research low fat, low carb, high protein snacks
- Avoid fried foods, sweets and junk food
- Prepare diabetic-friendly meals in batches and freeze them for future consumption
- Measure to control portion sizes
- Make food fun with shapes and unique cutting techniques
- Plan meals and snacks ahead of time instead of waiting until you’re really hungry
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