what causes a1c to go up
Asked by: GlucoseWatcher
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD
Several factors can cause your A1C levels to increase, including:
- High Blood Sugar Levels: Consistently high blood glucose levels over time will raise your A1C.
- Poor Diabetes Management: Not following your diabetes care plan, including diet, exercise, and medication, can lead to elevated A1C.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps control blood sugar levels, and inactivity can contribute to higher A1C.
- Dietary Choices: Consuming high-carb or sugary foods can spike blood sugar levels, increasing A1C over time.
- Stress and Illness: Physical or emotional stress and illnesses can temporarily raise blood sugar levels.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as steroids, can increase blood sugar levels.
- Other Health Conditions: Conditions like kidney disease, anemia, or hormonal imbalances can affect A1C accuracy.
If your A1C is rising, consult your healthcare provider to adjust your diabetes management plan.