Hi Flobadob, I started at 8.2% and went down to 5.9% on diet and exercise alone in 3 months, so it does work. I'm currently still not on meds, with HbA1c of between 5 and 5.5%. I don't low carb, but I have reduced carbs of about 150 to 180 grams a day (compared to guideline levels of 300) I also stick to low GI carbs, so avoid the starchy carbs like white flour products, rice and pasta, (although I have a small amount of Basmati rice once a week and a small amount of wholewheat spaghetti), and I stick to boiled new potatos.
I also do about 10 minutes hard exercise about 45 mins to an hour after each main meal, just as my BG will be peaking. Seems to help in bringing it down more quickly.
Don't know what diet you're on, but a change might get those %s down a bit.
Good luck