A1C Changes
Users on Reddit report significant improvements in their A1C levels after starting GLP-1 medications, often alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Many describe these medications as "game changers" for managing their blood sugar.
Experiences with A1C Changes:
A user on Trulicity with diet changes maintained an A1C in the 5. 2-5. 4 range for almost a year, down from a diagnosis at 7. 1 A1C. [1]
One user on Mounjaro saw their A1C drop from 7. 8 to 4. 2, after initially getting it down to 6. 2 with metformin and diet/exercise. [4]
A user on Ozempic for about a year reported their A1C was 6. 2 on their most recent test, and they were no longer on insulin. [6]
Another Ozempic user reported their latest A1C was 6. 1, down from 7. 3, after 11 months on the medication. [8]
A Type 1 diabetic using Ozempic saw their A1C drop from mid/high-7s to mid-6s. [24]
A user with LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) on Zepbound reported it helped their A1C. [20]
One user on Ozempic for 2-3 years saw their A1C go from 10. 3 down to 6. 1. [21]
A Type 1 diabetic on Mounjaro reported their A1C went from 7. 1 to 6. 4. [17]
A user on Mounjaro for 2. 5 months, who started with an A1C of 12. 4 and got it to 6. 9 with diet changes and meds before starting Mounjaro, reported their CGM estimated A1C between 6. 5 and 6. 7. [27]
A user on Ozempic for 7 years, with the last several years in the 5s for A1C, noted their A1C got into the 5s while on a 0. 5mg dose. [26]
A user whose A1C was 12 when first diagnosed got it down to 5. 8 after about 11 months on Ozempic and other medications, along with dietary changes. [10]
Factors Contributing to A1C Changes:
Dietary Changes: Many users combine GLP-1s with dietary modifications. One user mentioned, "The med and some diet changes (lower carb, cut out most white bread, non diet soda, and rice) helped me lose 60 lbs... and I’ve been maintaining my A1C in the 5. 2-5. 4 range. "[1] Another user massively changed their diet, which initially dropped their A1C, but Mounjaro was life-changing in further reducing it to 5. 5. [3]
Exercise: Exercise is also a common component. A user who lost 30lbs with metformin and diet/exercise saw further A1C reduction with Mounjaro. [4]
Combination Therapy: Some users take GLP-1s with other medications like metformin. "I take Ozempic and metformin and my a1c dropped from 13. 5 to 6. 1 since march 25th. "[11]
Remedies and Preventions (Related to Blood Sugar Management):
While not direct remedies for A1C changes (as the change is often the desired outcome), users discuss managing blood sugar and related factors:
Hydration, Fiber, and Electrolytes: A user on Mounjaro for about 2 years mentioned, "I do have to make sure I hydrate, take fiber and electrolytes. "[13]
Protein Intake: To counteract muscle loss during rapid weight loss, which can indirectly affect metabolism and blood sugar control, users recommend focusing on protein. "I mix powder in my coffee. "[4] Another user's nutritionist emphasized the importance of protein and exercise, recommending eating protein first at meals and protein shakes. [25]
Managing Side Effects to Maintain Consistency: Some users mention managing side effects like nausea to stay on the medication, which in turn helps A1C. For example, one user on Trulicity keeps morning sickness gummies by the bed for nighttime nausea. [1]
Monitoring Blood Sugar: Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are mentioned as helpful tools. One user on Ozempic/Wegovy with a loop setup reported averaging 96% time in range. [19]
Low Carb Diet: A user on Mounjaro found a low-carb diet worked for managing blood sugar, especially with the delayed gastric emptying effect of GLP-1s. [18]
Some users also report that GLP-1s help with insulin resistance, which is a key factor in A1C levels.
Experiences with A1C Changes:
- Significant A1C Reductions: Many users report substantial drops in A1C.
Factors Contributing to A1C Changes:
- Medication Effectiveness: Users frequently credit the GLP-1 medication itself for the A1C reduction.
Remedies and Preventions (Related to Blood Sugar Management):
While not direct remedies for A1C changes (as the change is often the desired outcome), users discuss managing blood sugar and related factors:
- Dietary Adjustments: Users emphasize the importance of diet.
Some users also report that GLP-1s help with insulin resistance, which is a key factor in A1C levels.