By the way, recently when I talked about metabolic syndrome in another thread, I was accused of bringing up something that was basically irrelevant as it did not address the “normative” population. Metabolic syndrome is unfortunately becoming more and more prevalent in the US (see quote below), so many of us who struggle with our weight have to look for ways to counter this problem, and reducing carbohydrates to a very low level is one strategy that can work. I eat a lot more vegetables now than I did before I went low carb. When you eliminate refined carbohydrates and other starchy food items from your diet, your only option is to either grossly restrict calories or to substitute other food items for the carbs. Rather than adding gobs of fat or excessive protein to my diet, I eat a lot of leafy greens and other non starchy vegetables now (not to downplay the role of healthy amounts of dietary fat). My bloodwork and other health markers always improve when I eliminate refined carbohydrates (and bagels are usually high in refined carbs), whole grains, starchy vegetables, and artificial sweeteners from my diet.
I’m particularly susceptible to metabolic syndrome, so what it takes to get me healthy will be different from what another person will have to do. I get into trouble if I put on so much as 15 lbs. It’s frustrating.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150519121529.htm
Those are some scary numbers.
The OP’s DH is also apparently susceptible to the effects of carbs, if his A1c is actually accurate. Since he is fit and not overweight, it might be necessary for him to have to really limit his carbohydrates. It sucks, but some of us just cannot process them like “normal” people can.