Glycemic control is the term used to describe how well a person with diabetes manages their blood sugar levels. It is measured by a blood test called A1C, which shows the average blood sugar level over the past three months. The lower the A1C, the better the glycemic control.
Why is Glycemic Control Important?
Glycemic control is important because it can reduce the risk of diabetes complications, such as nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, heart disease and stroke. Studies have shown that for every 1% reduction in A1C, the risk of these complications decreases by 14% to 37% .
What are the Goals for Glycemic Control?
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that most people with diabetes aim for an A1C of less than 7%. However, this goal may vary depending on the individual's age, health status, life expectancy, preferences and other factors. Some people may benefit from tighter goals (such as less than 6.5%) while others may need more relaxed goals (such as less than 8%) . It is important to discuss your personal A1C goal with your health care provider and adjust it as needed.
How Can You Achieve Good Glycemic Control?
Achieving good glycemic control requires a combination of healthy eating, physical activity, medication, and self-monitoring. Here are some tips to help you:
- Follow a diabetes diet that is rich in fibre, low in fat and moderate in carbohydrates. Choose foods that have a low glycemic index (GI), which means they cause a smaller rise in blood sugar after eating. Examples of low GI foods are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, low-fat dairy products and nuts.
- Be physically active for at least 150 minutes per week. Exercise can lower your blood sugar, improve your insulin sensitivity, reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol, and help you lose weight. Aim for a mix of aerobic (such as walking, jogging, cycling or swimming) and resistance (such as lifting weights or using bands) exercises .
- Take your medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider. There are different types of diabetes medications that work in different ways to lower your blood sugar. Some may also lower your risk of heart disease or kidney disease. Follow your provider's instructions on when and how to take your medication, and report any side effects or concerns.
- Monitor your blood sugar regularly using a glucose metre or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This can help you see how your food, activity, medication and other factors affect your blood sugar levels. It can also help you prevent or treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which is a condition where your blood sugar drops below 60 mg/dL and causes symptoms such as sweating, shaking, confusion or loss of consciousness . You should check your blood sugar before meals and snacks, before and after exercise, before bed and whenever you feel unwell.
- Work with your health care team to review your progress and make changes as needed. Your health care team may include a doctor, nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, educator and counsellor. They can provide you with education, support and guidance on how to manage your diabetes and achieve your glycemic goals.
Sources
- Debbo Africa: https://debbo.africa
- Glycemic Control | Best Practices - Indian Health Service (IHS) https://www.ihs.gov/sdpi/sdpi-community-directed/diabetes-best-practices/glycemic-control/
- Glycemic Targets: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2021 | Diabetes Care | American Diabetes Association Standards of Care | December 04 2020 https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/44/Supplement_1/S73/30909/6-Glycemic-Targets-Standards-of-Medical-Care-in
- Glycemic Index: What It Is and How to Use It - Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/glycemic-index
- Diabetes diet: Create your healthy-eating plan - Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-diet/art-20044295
- Glycemic Control and Hypoglycemia - Diabetes Care https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/31/10/2072/25105/Glycemic-Control-and-HypoglycemiaIs-the-loser-the