Hi-R-Ed Online

Acute Effects of Uncontrolled Blood Glucose

Blood glucose levels that are above or below the desired ranges can have deleterious effects on personal safety, performance and well-being. Mild, moderate and severe hypoglycemia may result, which puts an individual at risk for impaired decision-making, accidents, loss of consciousness, seizure, and death. Elevated glucose has immediate implications in terms of energy levels, appetite, athletic performance (strength, stamina, speed, flexibility), intellectual performance (creative skills, multi-tasking, memory), social skills, and risk for acute illness.

Severe hyperglycemia caused by a complete lack of insulin can cause ketone production and may progress to a life-threatening condition called DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). This is why type-1 diabetes has historically been called insulin-DEPENDENT diabetes. Without insulin, individuals will progress to death, sometimes within days or even hours.

Goals of Treatment

•Glycemic Control

•A1c <7% (ADA)

•A1c <6.5% (AACE)

•Minimization of hypoglycemia

•General/Lifestyle Goals

◦Healthy Diet (low saturated fat)

◦Regular physical activity (>150 min/wk)

◦Blood Pressure <130/80

◦LDL < 100, HDL>50, TGL <150

◦Regular medical care & screenings

Extensive research has proven the value of tight glucose control in preventing long-term complications as well as improving daily quality of life for people with diabetes.

Key research includes the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, or DCCT, along with the DCCT’s follow-up studies.

Hemoglobin A1C Test

Percent of red blood cells with glucose bound

Measures average glucose level over last 2-3 months

6.5% - 7.0% indicates 140-150 avg glucose

The Hemoglobin A1c test (or simply “A1c”) is used as a standard for assessing overall glucose control. This single blood test can provide an average glucose level over the previous 2-3 months, and has been correlated with the risk for microvasacular and macrovascular complications.

Here’s another quick question based on what we’ve covered so far.

Contrary to popular belief, this is not True. Numerous other factors, which we will discuss shortly, can cause an increase in blood sugars.