Why Some May Avoid Type 1 Diabetes Complications
Role of Proteins
King's team evaluated blood sugar levels in the participants. On average, blood sugar levels were under good control. The average hemoglobin A1c test, a reflection of blood sugar levels over the past three months or so, was 7.3%. Experts often recommend those with diabetes keep A1c at 7% or below.
But the blood sugar levels did not correlate with the lower complication rates.
To find another explanation, the researchers also evaluated a family of proteins known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These are increased by high blood sugar levels.
Those who had high levels of two specific AGEs were more than seven times as likely to have a complication.
Then came a surprise, King says. People with other combinations of some of the AGEs measured were actually protected from eye complications.
It suggests some AGE combinations may not be as toxic as believed, King says, and may actually be protective.
''Some AGEs may be processed differently in different people, and those differences may account for the protection," he says.
Second Opinion
Those with diabetes who are free or mostly free of complications ''are leading a charmed life," says Aaron Vinik, MD, PhD, director of research and neuroendocrine unit at Eastern Virginia Medical School's Strelitz Diabetes Center.
He speculates that those who escape complications may have developed good defensive mechanisms against these AGEs over the years, among other explanations. These defense mechanisms somehow make their AGEs less toxic.
The diabetes veterans in the study, Vinik says, "really took care of themselves." Less was known about diabetes care when they were diagnosed, he says. Doctors were not even talking about tight control of blood sugar then.
Learning more about those with diabetes who escape the complications, King says, may eventually help researchers intervene in those prone to complications.
For now, those with diabetes hoping to avoid complications can take a page from the medalists' book, King says.
''Most do fairly rigorous exercise at least three times a week, 45 minutes or more," he says.
Their attitude is positive, King tells WebMD. They're not in denial about their disease and the need to control it.
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.
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