Diabetes-Advantage

Did you know that having diabetes can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke?
 
Taking care of your heart and staying healthy is really important, especially if you're dealing with diabetes.
 
It might sound like a lot, but there are things you can do to lower the chances of heart disease and stroke.
 
Reducing your risks starts with keeping your diabetes in check.
 
When your blood sugar is high, it can damage your blood vessels over time.
 
A lot of people with diabetes also have other things going on, like extra weight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high triglycerides. These things can increase the chances of heart disease.
 
The “good” thing about these risk factors is that they are often what we call modifiable risk factors. In other words we can change them.
 
How do we do this?...
 
In short, One of the best ways to do that is to make sure that you are eating correctly.
 
Getting your diet right can bring down your blood sugar, your cholesterol, your triglycerides and your weight.
 
And so improving your diet is one of the places to start!
 
In addition to diet, there are also some other ways to take care of yourself:
·         If you smoke, it's a good idea to stop. Smoking damages your blood vessels and can worsen heart disease.
·         Get moving! Aim for at least 150 minutes each week of moderate aerobic activity, like a brisk walk. You can split this up into 30 minutes each day, or even three 10-minute walks if that works better for you.
Most importantly, stay positive. Lots of people with diabetes live healthy lives, and you can too!
 
 
 

Hey there! 👋

During consultations I often get asked about the numbers associated with Diabetes. I often get asked what numbers people should be aiming for, what is too high, what is too low etc.

So I thought I'd take a moment to share some key information with you. Understanding these values is really important for managing diabetes effectively.

Let's dive into the diagnostic criteria for diabetes and the recommended targets for glycaemic control.

Understanding these diagnostic criteria is essential because they help identify whether someone has diabetes. Early detection allows for timely intervention and better management of the condition.

 

Diagnostic criteria for Diabetes

 

Fasting blood sugar ≥ 7mmol/l  OR

A1c ≥ 6.5% OR

2hPG in a 75 g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test  ≥11.1 mmol/L

Random blood sugar ≥ 11.1mmol/l

 

Diagnostic criteria for pre-Diabetes

Fasting blood sugar 6.1 – 6.9 mmol/l

A1c 6.0 – 6.4%

2hPG in a 75 g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test  7.8 - 11 mmol/L

 

Once diagnosed with diabetes, it's important to set targets for glycaemic control. These targets help individuals with diabetes maintain their blood sugar levels within a healthy range. These targets have been set at values where the least amount of damage or complications are likely to occur.

Here are the recommended targets:

 

Targets for control

Most adults who are at low risk for hypoglycaemia with Type 2 Diabetes should aim for an  A1c ≤6.5%

Most adults with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes should aim for an A1C ≤7%

 

Why are these targets important? Maintaining blood sugar levels within these ranges helps prevent complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage. It also supports overall well-being and helps individuals lead a healthier and more active life.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and your healthcare team will personalize your targets based on your health status and lifestyle. Regular monitoring and open communication with your healthcare team are key to successful diabetes management.