My 13 year old son has type�1 diabetes. What is the sugar level range that he should maintain for insuring a normal, complication-free long life?

The average glucose is estimated by the hemoglobin A1c test, and while up to 6% is normal in most labs, you must confirm your lab’s normals. The most intensive glucose management research study, the DCCT, achieved A1c levels in the mid-7% range. With improved technology, many are arguing for a 6.5 to 7% range. We have good evidence such a range will be very helpful in preventing complications.

You must also be aware of hypoglycemia which increases as glucose control gets better. It is a tradeoff, and one must be careful. Using glucose as the test, one must realize that not all values will be in the desired range. Some just are too high or too low for no apparent reason. That is diabetes. One tries to have a majority within the doctor-set target range.

LD