2023-12-29 17:19:42
People with diabetes need to keep an eye on their blood sugar levels. But how high or low should the target values actually be?
People who suffer from diabetes mellitus usually have to keep a close eye on their blood sugar levels. Although there are different forms of the metabolic disease, according to the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), what they all have in common is that the blood sugar level is elevated because patients have a deficiency in the hormone insulin and/or the insulin effect is reduced. In addition to type 1 diabetes, the main forms of the disease include type 2 diabetes, which is the most common among diabetics at 90 to 95 percent.
Since the blood sugar level is permanently elevated in diabetes mellitus, it must be checked regularly. The decisive factor here is the long-term blood sugar value (HbA1c), which, according to Patient-Information.de, the information portal of the Medical Center for Quality in Medicine (ÄZQ), also determines the treatment.
The target values for blood sugar differ from person to person and depending on the type of diabetes. You can read about the target values for blood sugar in type 2 diabetes here.
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Diabetes: What is the long-term blood sugar value?
According to the diabetes information portal diabinfo, the long-term blood sugar value, also known as the HbA1c value and not to be confused with the normal blood sugar value, describes the average blood sugar concentration over the last eight to twelve weeks. It is determined using a fasting blood sample and shows the proportion of sugar that is bound to the red blood pigment (hemoglobin). The value can be used to determine whether there is no diabetes, prediabetes or diabetes. This can make diagnosis easier, particularly for type 2 diabetes, as symptoms tend to appear gradually.
The long-term blood sugar value is measured in percent or in mmol/mol. According to diabinfo, if the HbA1c value is below 5.7 percent (below 39 mmol/mol), diabetes mellitus can be ruled out. An HbA1c value of 5.7 to 6.4 percent (from 39 to 47 mmol/mol) indicates prediabetes, and a value of 6.5 percent or more (from 48 mmol/mol) indicates type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Blood sugar: These target values apply to type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, certain target values for the long-term blood sugar level are set by the treating doctor. It is important, however, that there is no target value for blood sugar that applies to everyone. According to Patient-Information.de, the target value is adapted to the personal situation and depends on various factors. In principle, the HbA1c target range should be between 6.5 percent (48 mmol/mol) and 8.5 percent (69 mmol/mol).
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According to the German Medical Association and the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, these factors determine whether the long-term blood sugar level is in the lower or upper target range:
- Life expectancy and age
- Concomitant diseases affecting treatment (comorbidity)
- other medications (polymedication)
- Risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and drug side effects
- Therapy burden
- Resources and support options
- Functional and cognitive abilities
- Diabetes duration
- The patient’s wishes
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