The past several months have been cold and wet. I did not get into my exercise routine.
My A1c had crept over 7 as a result of the 9 months of relative sedentary activity, perhaps too many carbs and age. All have an effect. I began metformin and began to test fasting blood sugar most mornings.
The 500 mg prescribed metformin seemed to have no or minimal effect.
As soon as I began paddling my kayak for 2 hours, twice a week, an riding my bike some on the other days, the numbers went down. At 71 I doubt I can ever return to low 6 A1c but , 7 is my goal.
Exercise unquestionably makes a difference in my numbers.
My A1c had crept over 7 as a result of the 9 months of relative sedentary activity
First, I am not diabetic, though I clearly was on the path. I had all the symptoms of metabolic syndrome - obesity, hypertension, acid reflux, sleep apnea, back pain, acanthosis nigricans, etc. My fasting blood sugar was 105, by A1C was 5.8. My OGTT peaked at 177, with levels still elevated after two hours.
After a year of low-carb, combined with weight lifting, I've lost 80 pounds, all my various ailments are gone. My blood pressure is down from 140/100, with meds, to 110/70 without. My dawn phenomenon blood sugar is 83, it's in the mid-70's throughout the day. My latest OGTT peaked at 114, and was back to normal within an hour.
And my A1C is 4.9.
Bernstein makes a convincing argument that numbers in that range should be our goal. And I believe they are achievable for most, though it will take more effort for some than for others.