Diabetes – Blood Sugar Control
Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Researchers report that it's becoming more common for the average diabetic to meet a key diabetes benchmark: having a hemoglobin A1c level lower than 7 percent. Dr. Ken Davis discusses the latest research on diabetic blood sugar levels in today’s 60 Second Housecall. 

 A national study of diabetics showed a decline in average hemoglobin A1c levels among U.S. adults with diabetes.

 Hemoglobin A1c is a blood test that measures how well your diabetes is being managed. If the number is too high, medications, diet and physical activity may need to be adjusted.

 Researchers have reported a downward trend in the average A1c level in diabetics over the past several years. The numbers were based on blood tests taken by diabetes patients in national health surveys. The rates were:

               �   7.82 percent in 1999 and 2000

               �   7.47 percent in 2001and 2002, and

               �   7.18 percent in 2003 and 2004

A normal Hemoglobin A1c is 5 percent or less.  If the HbA1c value is above 7 percent, it means your diabetes is poorly controlled. High values mean you are at greater risk of diabetic complications such as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, blindness or leg amputation.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.