New Diabetes Guidelines Announced

Home Health Care Chicago IL - New Diabetes Guidelines Announced

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100 million people in the United States have diabetes or prediabetes. Though the treatment of the condition has improved over the years, research is ongoing and new discoveries lead to new ways of managing the disease. Recently, the American College of Physicians (ACP) released their latest set of recommendations concerning the treatment of diabetes.  

What Has Changed? 

Based on current treatments and information, the ACP has changed A1C goals. In the past, doctors recommended a target A1C lower than 7 percent. Under the new guidelines, the majority of diabetic adults should try to achieve an A1C level of between 7 and 8 percent. In addition, for those who have an A1C lower than 6.5 percent, diabetes treatment should be reduced to prevent levels from going lower. 

Although diabetes treatment guidelines have been relaxed, the ACP is quick to point out that it doesn’t mean people should take diabetes lightly. It is a serious condition and should be treated as such. However, these new guidelines allow for more individualized treatment.  

What is A1C? 

A1C is a kind of test used to measure a person’s average blood sugar over a 2 to 3 month span. The test measures glucose attached to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a kind of protein found in red blood cells that helps blood to transport oxygen. Because red blood cells usually live for about 3 months, using hemoglobin for testing provides an accurate 3-month average. 

The test is performed in a doctor’s office. The frequency of testing depends on the situation: 

* People with type 2 diabetes who don’t use insulin and have good control of their blood sugar levels should have the test twice per year. 

* People with type 2 diabetes who use insulin or who have trouble maintaining blood sugar levels should be tested four times per year. 

*Those with type 1 diabetes should have the test three or four times per year. 
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Can Home Health Care Help Manage Diabetes? 

Home health care is an excellent way to help your aging relative to manage diabetes. Home health care providers can assist with planning and preparing meals that conform to the diet plan recommended by the doctor or dietician. A home health care provider can also remind your aging relative to check their blood sugar, help them record it, and remind them to take medications. Physical activity is also a recommended method of managing diabetes. Home health care providers can help seniors to remain more physically active by taking walks with them, encouraging them to engage in active hobbies like gardening, or driving them to group exercise classes. 

Sources:  https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20180306/primary-care-doctors-loosen-type-2-diabetes-goals#1 

http://www.diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/2017/american-diabetes-association-2018-release-standards-of-medical-care-in-diabetes.html 

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2017/p0718-diabetes-report.html 

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/tests-diagnosis/a1c-test 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/a1c-test/about/pac-20384643 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care Services in Chicago IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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