For diabetic patients, blood sugar control is not just a numbers game; it is a prolonged battle concerning the quality of life. Exactly to what level should blood sugar be controlled to minimize the risk of complications? Today, we will delve into this core issue concerning the health of every diabetic patient.

Blood Sugar Control Targets: The Art of Individualization

First, it is important to clarify that glycemic control targets should be individualized. Factors such as age, disease duration, complications, and hypoglycemia risk can all influence target setting. The following provides control targets for general adult patients with diabetes, and specific values should be discussed and agreed upon with your doctor.

Control Targets for the Three Core Indicators

1. Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c): The "Gold Standard" for Long-Term Blood Glucose Control

Glycated hemoglobin reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months and is the most important indicator for assessing long-term blood glucose control.

<7.0%

Ideal Goal: For adult patients with diabetes, it is generally recommended to maintain HbA1c levels below <7.0%.

<6.5%

Stricter Goal: For younger patients, those with a short disease duration, and no severe complications, achieving HbA1c levels below <6.5% may be considered.

<8.0%

Relaxed Goal: For elderly patients, those with a history of severe hypoglycemia, limited life expectancy, or severe comorbidities, HbA1c levels may be relaxed to <8.0% or higher.

Studies have shown that maintaining HbA1c levels below 7.0% can significantly reduce the risk of diabetic microvascular complications, such as retinopathy and nephropathy. For every 1% reduction in HbA1c, the risk of microvascular complications decreases by approximately 37%.

2. Fasting Blood Glucose: The "Starting Line" of Daily Blood Sugar

Fasting blood glucose refers to the blood sugar value after fasting for 8-10 hours, reflecting basal insulin secretion capacity and hepatic glucose output.

：

4.4-7.0 mmol/L

Ideal Target: 4.4-7.0 mmol/L

5.6-7.8 mmol/L

Bedtime Blood Glucose: It is recommended to control it between 5.6-7.8 mmol/L to avoid nocturnal hypoglycemia.

3. Postprandial Blood Glucose: The "Barometer" of Blood Sugar Fluctuations

2-hour postprandial blood glucose is a crucial indicator for assessing post-meal glycemic control and is also an independent predictor of cardiovascular complications.

<10.0 mmol/L

Ideal Target: 2-hour postprandial blood glucose <10.0 mmol/L

<7.8 mmol/L

Better Control: It is more ideal if it can be controlled at <7.8 mmol/L.

Research indicates that postprandial blood glucose peaks are closely related to the risk of cardiovascular complications, and controlling postprandial blood glucose fluctuations is particularly important for preventing cardiovascular complications.

The Association Between Blood Glucose Control and Complications

Microvascular complications

When glycated hemoglobin consistently exceeds 7.0%, the risk of diabetic retinopathy significantly increases.

For every 1% increase in glycated hemoglobin, the risk of kidney disease rises by 40%.

Strict glycemic control can reduce the risk of retinopathy by 76% and the risk of kidney disease by 50%.

Macrovascular complications

Each 1% reduction in HbA1c is associated with a 14% decrease in the risk of myocardial infarction.

Effective glycemic control can reduce the risk of stroke by 12%.

Poor control of postprandial blood glucose is strongly correlated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.

Beyond the Numbers: The Importance of Comprehensive Management

Preventing complications requires not only focusing on blood sugar levels but also:

：目标通常<130/80 mmHg

Blood pressure control: The target is typically <130/80 mmHg.

Lipid management: Special attention should be paid to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

Regular screenings: Annual examinations of the retina, kidney function, feet, etc

Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced Diet, Regular Exercise, Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol Intake

Medication Adherence: Take Medication on Time and as Prescribed, Do Not Arbitrarily Change Treatment Plans

Practical Blood Sugar Control Recommendations

Monitoring and Recording: Regularly Monitor Blood Sugar Levels and Keep Records to Understand Your Own Blood Sugar Fluctuation Patterns

Dietary Wisdom: Choose low-glycemic index foods, control total carbohydrate intake, and distribute meals reasonably across three daily meals

Post-meal activity: Appropriate post-meal activities (such as walking for 15-30 minutes) can help reduce postprandial blood glucose

Medication Optimization: Discuss with your doctor about a suitable blood glucose-lowering regimen for you. Some medications are particularly effective in lowering postprandial blood glucose

Stress Management: Chronic stress can affect blood sugar control; learn relaxation techniques

Important Reminder

Blood sugar control is not about achieving lower levels at all costs; avoiding hypoglycemia is equally crucial. Severe hypoglycemia may trigger cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and can even be life-threatening. When symptoms of hypoglycemia such as palpitations, hand tremors, sweating, and dizziness occur, blood sugar should be immediately monitored and appropriate measures taken.

Managing diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint. Achieving ideal blood sugar control requires patience, persistence, and scientific methods. By maintaining effective communication with your healthcare team and developing a personalized management plan, you can steadily progress on your path to blood sugar control and truly stay away from the threat of complications.