Posted on 03/06/2018 10:41:01 AM PST by upchuck
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued new guidance on managing type 2 diabetes -- including relaxing the long-term blood sugar target called hemoglobin A1C.
The A1C is a blood test that gives doctors an estimate of your blood sugar level average over the past few months. For most adults, the American Diabetes Association recommends a target A1C of below 7 percent. This goal may be altered based on individual circumstances.
However, the new ACP guidance suggests that A1C should be between 7 and 8 percent for most adults with type 2 diabetes. For adults who achieve an A1C below 6.5 percent, the group suggests stepping down diabetes treatment to keep that level from going even lower.
The American College of Physicians, which is a national organization of internal medicine doctors, also says that management goals should be personalized based on the benefits and risks of medications, patient preference, general health status and life expectancy.
And, though the doctors' group has relaxed the suggested A1C targets, that doesn't mean type 2 diabetes isn't a serious problem.
"These changes should in no way be interpreted as diabetes is unimportant," said Dr. Jack Ende, ACP's president.
More than 29 million Americans have diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to vision loss, nerve problems, heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure.
"Diabetes is such a prevalent problem, and there are so many guidelines and conflicting information out there, we wanted to do an assessment that would give our members the best possible advice," Ende said. "Also, A1C targets are being used now as a performance measure."
(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...
I am blessed: A1C average of 6.16.
Read the article for thoughts from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) . Not particularly kind.
How can you have diabetes if your A1C is 6.16?
I have it too. Got it down to 6.2 last bloodwork. Doctor didn’t want it too much lower
I’ve never gotten higher than 6.1. Last time was 5.5, which is where I’d like to keep it. Generally runs 5.9-6.0
As a jaded, disgusted, cynical t2, anything the “health care” community does regarding diabetes should be looked at through the lens of ‘qui bono’
The longer they can keep one functioning, the longer that person (insurance company) pays into the system.
If there is a cash shortfall, they can suggest a ‘more relaxed’ standard that will punch up the number of catastrophic conditions, pumping more cash into the system.
Just .02, YMPV
KYPD
Here is even more exciting news about miracles in stroke treatment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZwCDT50PJI
Mine was 10 something when I started
I have type 2 and for the last couple of years I’ve kept my A1C in the range 5.5-5.8 with diet, exercise and metformin.
Maybe these new recommendations are valid for people who are insulin dependent. My mother was in this category for the last 25 years of her life and the impact of very low blood sugar is more immediate and dangerous than the impact of moderately high blood sugar.
In the meantime, I’m going continuing working to keep my A1C as close to the non-diabetic norm as possible, and hope that I continue to enjoy the blessings of good health.
I was near that six months ago. Now I’m down to 6.4.
Typically, Atkins and severe restrictions on carbs can break insulin resistance.
Unless one stays overweight.
$667/mo for 4 once a weeks shots adds up.
Friend of mine told me that a few years ago, the allowable A1C used to be higher. But they discovered that by lowering the number, more money could be made.
Typically, Atkins and severe restrictions on carbs can break insulin resistance.
Unless one stays overweight.
How dare you suggest we actually use a proven method that worked just fine before we were able to synthesize insulin and changed our dietary habits to cater to the Drug Companies and Doctors.
Are you taking Metformin, or a similar drug, to get it to 6.2?
>>How can you have diabetes if your A1C is 6.16?
Treatment.
When diagnosed, I was 9. Now I run around 6.
One of the examples cited is tailoring targets to particular patients’ life circumstances.
I agree that if you’re 80-something, you should enjoy life, eat what you want within reason, and not worry much about “long-term” consequences.
But if you’re in your 40s, 50s or 60s, I’d say do your best to stay around and healthy for the people you care about.
I’ve never gotten higher than 6.1. Last time was 5.5, which is where I’d like to keep it. Generally runs 5.9-6.0
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Are you taking Metformin?
Last week my A1C was 6.0.
We have a winner!
Blood cells have a lifespan of 4 months. Stay low carb for that period and the A1C will drop. Not rocket science.
Yes
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