The blood sugar control targets for individuals with diabetes are not one-size-fits-all and should be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each person. Here's a summary of the blood sugar control targets as suggested by Xiaonuo, with a focus on individualized management:
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For Patients Under 60 Years Old:
- The "2, 4, 6, 8" rule suggests that fasting blood sugar should be controlled between 4.4 to 6.0 mmol/L (2.4 = two 4s), and postprandial blood sugar should be controlled between 4.4 to 8.0 mmol/L.
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For Patients Over 60 Years Old with Cardiovascular Diseases:
- The target is to have fasting blood sugar below 7.0 mmol/L and postprandial blood sugar below 10.0 mmol/L. It's important to lower blood sugar gradually and not too aggressively.
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For Younger Patients (Under 40 or 50 Years Old):
- More stringent targets can be set, with "4, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8" indicating that fasting blood sugar should be controlled between 4.4 and 5.6 mmol/L, and postprandial blood sugar between 4.4 and 7.8 mmol/L.
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Individualization of Control Targets:
- Control targets should be personalized based on factors such as age, presence of cardiovascular diseases, duration of diabetes, and the risk of hypoglycemia. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with severe comorbidities or a limited life expectancy should have individualized targets that are not overly strict.
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Monitoring HbA1c Levels:
- HbA1c levels provide an overview of blood sugar control over the past 2 to 3 months and should be monitored every 3 months to assess the effectiveness of diabetes management.
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Comprehensive Management:
- In addition to blood sugar control, attention should also be given to managing other risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity, which can help reduce the risk of microvascular and cardiovascular complications.
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Adjusting Treatment Plans:
- If blood sugar levels are not within the target range, it's important to work with healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans. Even if the ideal standards are not met, any improvement in control is beneficial and reduces the risk of complications.
Remember, the goal of diabetes management is to maintain blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible without causing hypoglycemia. It's essential to work closely with healthcare providers to establish appropriate targets and develop a comprehensive diabetes care plan that addresses individual needs and health goals.