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May 24, 2006

Complications

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Question from Israel:

I read an article in a local popular newspaper that recent research shows that stability in the blood glucose level is the most important thing. According to the article, people with type 2 who had high blood sugars for a long time then got treatment which led to a quick normalization of their blood sugars, could still end up with some complications. This article also mentioned that, for type 1 diabetics, a quick and frequent change to the blood glucose level is more risky than stable mid to high range glucose levels.

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

It has been known for many years, perhaps 15 to 20, that rapid improvements in poorly controlled glucose levels can affect complications, such as eye disease, retinopathy, etc. However, not doing anything with such poor control also has an obvious deleterious affect as well. So, in conditions such as pregnancy where one cannot wait for a slower improvement, there is not much choice. The best answer to your question is not to let the glucose control be that out of range so that such drastic improvements are not needed. But, working closely with your diabetes team should allow appropriate adjustments and improvements not only to occur safely but also to allow checks of eye, kidney, blood pressure and nerve functions along the way.

SB