Assessing Glycemia in Diabetes Using Self-monitoring Blood Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c

Abstract

Quiz Ref ID The prevalence of diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate, as are the associated personal and societal costs. While diabetes care should address a number of risk factors (dyslipidemia, blood pressure, tobacco use, etc), hyperglycemia itself not only defines the disease but is the cause of its most characteristic symptoms and long-term complications. Good glycemic control reduces the incidence and progression of microvascular disease in both type 1 and 2 diabetes.^1-4 The impact of hyperglycemia on cardiovascular disease is also becoming increasingly evident.^5-7 Although the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial found an increased incidence of hypoglycemia accompanying intensive glycemic control,⁸ participants rated their overall quality of life as improved by better glycemic control.⁹