how to reduce my diabetes Hb1Ac level 8.3% now with diet or medecine

Ans: As per your height and weight measurements, you are overweight. Follow a dietary regimen that includes high protein, low carbohydrate and low fat. Include foods with high fiber and complex carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, millets, lentils, etc. Adopt a fitness schedule which include cardio and weight training to lose body fat percentage and increase muscle mass. This will help lower your blood glucose levels, improve Insulin resistance and bring down your weight.

Ans: An HbA1c of 8.4 indicates uncontrolled diabetes. This can lead to a decreased quality of life due to complications. Lifestyle modifications including following a balanced low glycemic index diet along with exercise is needed for lowering a high HbA1c. Include complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, whole wheat, quinoa, oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, beans, and dals. Foods to avoid include simple carbohydrates, which are processed, such as sugar, pasta, white bread, flour, and cookies, pastries, and namkeens. Starchy or root vegetables should be eaten in moderation along with other fiber rich veggies.. Have salads with each meal to balance sugar levels. Exercise regularly.

Ans: An HbA1c of 8.5 is indicative of hyperglycemia or uncontrolled diabetes. This if long term can lead to serious complications. For lowering your blood sugar levels, focus on healthy carbohydrates like whole grains, oats, cereals, legumes, dried beans, peas, lentils, low fat dairy products fruits, vegetables in your diet. Importance of portion control to help control your blood sugar, Choose fiber rich foods restrict saturated fat. Restrict refined & simple carbohydrates like sucrose, glucose or fructose, white rice, white bread, table sugar, jaggery, sweets, honey, corn-syrup and alcohol. Exercise regularly to reduce body fat.

Ans: As you have mentioned that you have diabetes for last 10 years. I am not sure how many oral anti diabetic drugs you are taking. Since it is fairly long duration since first detection, it is less likely to control diabetes without medication.

The people who are within five years of detection, are on two or less oral antidiabetic drugs and who have HbA1C are better fit for remission. However, in your case, it is possible.

Please provide details about your diabetes, weight, height, lifestyle.

There are three pronged approaches to control diabetes : medications, physical activity and diet (and also in extended way sleep and mental health). If we can improve on other aspects, the need for medication can be reduced.


Dr Chandrakant Lahariya
Centre for Health: The Specialty practice
Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi