CONTROL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR FREQUENTLY

CONTROL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR FREQUENTLY because

Intensive Glucose Control Halves Complications

Do your efforts for intensive diabetes control really matter? Absolutely!

A follow-up to the landmark DCCT (Diabetes Control & Complications Trial) shows that aiming for an HbA1c of 6% halves your risk of complications.

"The demonstration that near-normal glucose control substantially lowers microvascular and cardiovascular complications has heralded a new era of type 1 diabetes care," says lead author of the study, David M. Nathan, M.D. "The remarkable improvement in long-term outcomes achieved with intensive glucose control should encourage clinicians and patients alike to implement intensive therapy as early in the course of type 1 diabetes as possible."

According to the NIH press release linked below, intensive glucose control meant "trying to keep hemoglobin A1c (A1C) readings at 6 percent or less with at least three insulin injections a day or an insulin pump, guided by frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose. (A1C reflects average blood glucose over the previous two to three months.)"

Studies for people with type 2 diabetes, although not as comprehensive, have shown similar results.

The bottom line: your efforts at great control can save your limbs, eyesight, and life. It's worth all of the effort you put into making it happen.

(Abstract from Diabetes Daily)