Deaths Prompt Halt in Diabetes Study
Message for Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Researchers say the results to not apply to patients with type 1 diabetes.
In a statement, the American Diabetes Association says it continues to advise diabetes patients to strive for an A1c under 7%.
The importance of glucose control in diabetes is firmly established," the group states. "Recent data indicates that more than half of the population with diabetes in the U.S. have an A1C less than 7 percent and this overall level of glucose control appears to be of great benefit rather than harm."
But patients in ACCORD were considered high risk because they were on average 62 years old, had a 10-year history of diabetes, and had at least two cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, obesity, or were smokers.
"Care should be taken not to intensively lower blood sugar levels to near-normal levels," Nabel says. For patients with high risk for heart disease, very intensive treatment aimed at lowering blood glucose to an A1c below 6% "may be detrimental."
Researchers say patients should not alter any treatments without speaking with their doctors.
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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