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> Treating Diabetes

Treating Diabetes Mellitus

American Diabetes Association (ADA). Standards of medical care in diabetes. V. Diabetes care. Diabetes Care 2008 Jan;31(Suppl 1):S16-24.

Treatment aimed at lowering blood glucose to normal, or near normal, levels in patients with diabetes mellitus has the following benefits:

  • Reduces risk for development or progression of retinopathy, nephropathy and possibly neuropathy.
  • May result in a less atherogenic lipid profile.
  • May reduce the risk for of myocardial infarction and sudden death.

Summary of Recommendations for Adults with Diabetes

Glycemic Control
Hemoglobin A 1C <7.0%*
Preprandial capillary plasma glucose 70-130 mg/dL (5.0-7.2 mmol/L)
Peak postprandial capillary plasma glucose** <180 mg/dL (<10.0 mmol/L)

Blood pressure
Initial anti-hypertensive drug of choice: an ACE-inhibitor or an Angiotensin Receptor Blocker

<130/80 mmHg
Lipids***
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) <100 mg/dL (<2.6 mmol/L)
Triglycerides <150 mg/dL (<1.7 mmol/L)
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) >40 mg/dL (>1.1 mmol/L)****
Key concepts in setting glycemic goals:
  • A1C is the primary target for glycemic control.
  • Goals should be individualized.
  • Certain populations (children, pregnant women, and elderly) require special considerations.
  • Less intensive glycemic goals may be indicated in patients with severe or frequent hypoglycemia.
  • More stringent glycemic goals (i.e., a normal A1C, <6%) may further reduce complications at the cost of increased risk of hypoglycemia (particularly in those with type 1 diabetes).
  • Postprandial glucose may be targeted if A1C goals are not met despite reaching preprandial glucose goals.

Anti-platelet in Diabetes

Use aspirin therapy (75–162 mg/day) as a primary prevention strategy in those with Type 2 diabetes at increased cardiovascular risk, including those who are >40 years of age or who have additional risk factors: family history of CVD, hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, or albuminuria.