Facts

• According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), tight diabetes control is not appropriate for all patients. Keep in mind that there are pros and cons to tight control of glucose.
  
  

Target glucose Levels

• The ADA recommends blood glucose levels of 70 mg/dl to 130 mg/dl before eating, and below 180 mg/dl two hours after meals. The ADA also recommends a glycohemoglobin level of less than 7 percent.
  
  

Methods of Control

• Tight glucose control is accomplished through a variety of methods, including paying close attention to food intake, regularly monitoring blood glucose levels, medication compliance and regular exercise.
  
  

Pros and Cons

• The positive outcome of tight diabetes control consists of the delay or prevention of diabetes complications, thereby allowing the patient to experience a better quality of life. Potential problems with tight control are the increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and weight gain.
  
  

Considerations

• Goals for glucose management should be set with physician guidance. It is important to follow the recommendations of a qualified, professional health-care team to prevent diabetes complications.