Hello doctor,I took my HbA1c blood test and it came back 6.3. Am I diabetic or pre-diabetic? I have brought a change in my eating habits completely and exercising twice per day. Will this reduce my results in six months or I should take diabetic medicines?
Hello. HbA1c % 6.3 is considered a pre-diabetic state. Following are the criteria to diagnose diabetes: 1. Normal: FBG: 70 to 100 mg/100 ml, PP: less than 140 mg and HbA1c % less than 5.7. 2. Pre-diabetes: FBG: 101 to 125 mg, PP 141 to 199 mg and HbA1c % 5.7 to 6.4. 3. Diabetes: FBG: 126 mg and above, PP: 200 mg and above and HbA1c % 6.5 % and above. Fortunately, when a person is in a prediabetic state, it can be reversed or prevented from progressing to diabetes or progression to diabetes can be delayed for a very long time by adopting a modified lifestyle. Which means taking a properly balanced diet that provides calories just as much required based on ideal body weight and extent of daily exercise. Secondly, exercising regularly for over one hour and maintaining near normal weight. Plus avoiding sweets, junk foods, pastries, bakery items and increasing the intake of fiber-containing foods, green leafy vegetables, salads, and fruits. Refraining from alcohol and smoking is also helpful.