What is optimum Diabetes Control? The better the control, the greater the risk of hypoglycemia. As more medication is needed to control Diabetes, the greater the chance of a side affect. The less control over the diabetes, the greater the chance of complications. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for Study of Diabetes has recognized the complexity of choosing a goal for everybody and has chosen patient-centered approach. For example, an older person with heart disease, who is at greater risk for hypoglycemia and side affects from medication, may do better with a higher A1C. A young person may do better with an A1C of 6-6.5 rather than going for the previous goal of 7. Both organizations agree with using lifestyle changes to aim for fitness and ideal body weight as the first step toward control and using metformin as the first medication. Hypertension (High blood pressure) and cholesterol as well as smoking are modifiable risk factors that must also be emphasized early on. To see the full article, click here.
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