An 0.1 percent difference is pretty insignificant and could be just a normal variation. A1c should however be checked once a year in everyone as it is such an important data point and every three to six months if there are concerns Either way, you are at the end of the upper range of what's considered a normal A1c. That could be simply due to age if you are over 70. You definitely want to keep your A1c below 5.7.
Very good. But nobody shall rest on their laurels.
Have you recently had any infections, a cold, etc? A tickled immune system will result in increased blood sugar levels as will stress. As I said, it could be age-related or maybe you have been less active, let your nutrition slip a little?
Splenda won't raise your blood glucose directly but some research indicates it may indirectly increase insulin resistance. Also, bastard sugars are detrimental to your health for other reasons. See if inulin works for you as a mild sweetener in, for example, coffee. Inulin has shown to increase insulin sensitivity and it's a natural 0-carb prebiotic. Introduce it slowly into your diet as it takes the biome a little to get used to. I'll let Pablo explain.
