A diagnosis of diabetes is made when A1C levels are 6.5 percent or higher. 

A1C is all about glycated hemoglobin. The A1C test result shows a measure of how well your body has controlled your blood sugar over the past two to three months. 

A1C can tell how well your diabetes plan is working. The test is used primarily for diabetes management. Knowing your A1C helps you to

• Monitor your diabetes.
• Make timely treatment decisions to prevent or reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
• Keep A1C levels below 7 percent or within the appropriate range
• Lose weight to keep A1C levels in balance.

Elevated levels of insulin cause insulin resistance that is associated with weight gain. Refined carbohydrates and sugar are foods that increase insulin production. When insulin levels rise in response to food consumption, the body does not burn fat since there is glucose available in the bloodstream for energy. 

Regrettably, when the cells are unresponsive to the uptake of new glucose this is converted to fat and eventual weight gain.

Weight management affects diabetes management. 

Useful Diabetic Weight Management Tips:

• Meal planning important for weight control.
• Follow a smart pattern of eating that's suited to type 2 diabetes.
• Eat a healthy balanced diet, add a higher number of fruits and vegetables to your diet.
• The Mediterranean diet has balanced carbs, protein, and fats helpful in managing type 2 diabetes. Talk to your health care professional
• Drink water before a meal to keep you from overeating and help with diabetic weight loss. Water will help you feel full more quickly. 
• Do not compromise your weight loss efforts with distractions while you eat.
• Eating with distractions makes you eat more. Turn off the TV. and computer.
• Focus on your food, eat mindfully you'll likely eat less, aiding your weight loss
• Turn your back on tempting trays of sweet goodies. 

For diabetics, exercise is important both for weight loss as well as blood sugar control. Walk regularly, preferably doing a short walk after a meal for greater blood sugar control. Being less sedentary gives health benefits. Regular moderate exercise and physical activity reduces blood pressure, improves heart health, stabilize blood sugar, boost the overall diabetic quality of life.