Intense treatment to lower blood sugar in patients with diabetes can prove just as harmful in allowing glucose levels to remain high, a study says.
Cardiff researchers studied almost 50,000 patients with type 2 diabetes and discovered that the lowest glucose levels are related to a greater risk of death.
Significant differences in death rates of patients on insulin and those taking tablets are also mentioned.
There may be many explanations for this, experts stated.
Patients taking insulin-based treatments have advised not to stop taking their medication due to the Cardiff University study, published in The Lancet.
Using GP data, the team identified 27,965 patients aged 50 and above with type 2 diabetes whose treatment had been intensified to include two oral blood glucose lowering agents, metformin and sulphonylurea.
It is vital to remember that you ought to agree blood glucose targets between yourself and your healthcare team given your specific needs.
Another 20,005 patients who had been moved on to treatment which included insulin were added to the study.
Patients whose HbA1c levels, that is, the proportion of red blood cells with glucose attached to them, were around 7.5%, ran the lowest risk of dying from any cause.
This risk doubled for both groups by more than half if levels dropped to 6.4%, the lowest levels recorded. The risk of death increased by nearly 80% for those with the highest levels.
However, risks appeared particularly pronounced amongst those on the insulin-based regime as opposed to those on the combined treatment.
It is crucial for Type 2 diabetics to continue to manage their condition with diet, exercise and sometimes tablets. Many of course eventually move on to insulin.
It is vital for type 2 diabetics using insulin to not to stop taking their medication. Should there be any conceren about blood glucose targets, discuss this with your healthcare team.
Sugar Can Drop to Too Low
Fri, 29 Jan 2010
Recommended links
Compare travel insurance quotes for diabeticsDiabetic travel insurance quote
Dealing with illness while abroad
About holiday travel insurance
Life insurance for diabetics
Diabetes guides and related products
800,000 People with Diabetes Facing Serious Health Problems
Diet and Exercise are Essential to Keep Diabetes At Bay
New Guidelines for Diabetics Regarding Aspirins
ContentMain
