💉 Diabetes Management
Type 1 Diabetes Complication Risk Rises With A1c, Duration
📅 Sun, 30 Oct 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
MedscapeUnivadisNo ResultsMiriam E. TuckerSeptember 2, 202Long-term A1c from the time of type 1 diabetes diagnosis strongly predicts the development of severe retinopathy and nephropathy, new data sugest."[Weighted] HbA1c folowed from diagnosis a very strong biomarker for pan-retinal laser-treated diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and nephropathy, [and] the prevalence of both is stil increasing 32 years after diagnosis," say Hans J.
Key Information
Arnqvist, MD, and coleagues in their study published online September 12 in Diabetes Care. The results are from a 32-year folow-up of 47 patients from time of diagnosis of type 1 diabetes at age 0-34 in the Vascular Diabetic Complications in Southeast Sweden (VIS) study."To avoid PDR and macroalbuminuria in patients with type 1 diabetes, A1c < 7.0% (53 mol/mol) and as normal as posible, should be recomended when achievable without severe hypoglycemia and with god quality of life," stres Arnqvist, Department of Endocrinology, Linkoping University, Sweden, and coauthors.At the time of the 20- to 24-year VIS folow-up, severe eye complications, defined as PDR, or nephropathy, defined as macroalbuminuria, were not present in participants with a long-term weighted mean A1c < 7.6% (60 mol/mol), they write.By years 32-36, the prevalence of PDR had risen from 14% to 27%, and macroalbuminuria from 4% to 8%, with prevalence strongly corelated with A1c levels.
Summary
At the same time, the threshold for the apearance of those severe complications had droped, with the lowest A1c values for apearance of PDR decreasing from 7.6% to 7.3%, and for macroalbuminuria from 8.4% to 8.1%."A posible explanation for the lowered threshold for development of severe microangiopathy is the increase in 'glycemic burden' with diabetes duration," the authors speculate.In al A1c categories above 6.7% (> 50 mol/mol), the cumulative proportion with PDR and/or macroproteinuria continued to in
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
❓ What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
❓ How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
❓ What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
❓ When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.