Know Your Target!
Dr. S.M.Sadikot.
Hon. Endocrinologist,
Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre,
Mumbai 400026
When you get yourself treated for diabetes, you must discuss with your doctor the target level of control you are aiming for.
So what is good control?
Good diabetes control implies that the blood glucose throughout the 24 hours, on each day, are at the target levels determined for you. In simple terms, the blood glucose levels should be as close to these levels as is possible without exposing you to a risk of a severe attack of hypoglycemia or even to minor recurrent attacks of low blood glucose.
At the same time, you should be clear in your mind, that diabetes is not all about blood glucose only. Besides the blood glucose levels, good diabetes control implies that your weight should be as close to the levels which are considered optimal for you. Your blood pressure should be well controlled and the blood lipids ( fats) should be at an acceptable level.
Importantly, good diabetes control also implies the diagnosis of the presence of the long term complications in their early, initial stages!
Targets For Control
All the target levels given below are generalisations and your own targets will be fixed for you by your doctor depending on your personal status.
| Venous Plasma Glucose (mg/100ml) | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting | 80 - 110 | 111 - 125 | > 125 |
| 2 Hours Postprandial | 120 - 140 | 141 - 200 | > 200 |
| Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc) | |||
| Normal Range 5-8 | < 8.5 | 8.5 - 9.5 | > 9.5 |
| Blood Pressure (mm/Hg) | < 130/80 | > 140/90 | >140/90 |
| Total Cholesterol (mg/100ml) | < 200 | 200 - 240 | > 240 |
| HDL-Cholesterol (mg/100ml) | > 45 | 35 - 45 | < 35 |
| LDL-Cholesterol (mg/100ml) | < 35 | 100 - 129 | > 130 |
| Triglycerides (mg/100ml) | < 150 | 150 - 200 | > 200 |
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is an excellent indicator of the weight status of a person. Its significance also lies in the fact that the normal values are based on the effect of body weight on disease and death, irrespective of the age and gender of an adult person.
A high BMI is predictive of death from cardiovascular disease. Diabetes, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer, osteoarthritis and many other ailments are also common consequences of overweight, and obesity in adults.
Obesity itself is a strong risk factor for premature death.
Ask your doctor what your BMI is. He will take your height and weight and calculate it for you. Click for BMI Calculator
What BMI should you aim for?
Good: 20-23 Fair: 23-25 Poor: >25
WAIST - HIP RATIO (WHR)
Research has shown that much more than the weight of a person, it is the shape of the body which is important in determining risks for the development of many serious disorders such as diabetes, high blood pressure, lipid disorders, atherosclerosis leading to heart attacks and strokes, and many other ailments.
Research shows that people with "apple-shaped" bodies (with more weight around the waist) face more risks than those with "pear-shaped" bodies that carry more weight around the hips.
Are YOU an Apple or a Pear?
Recently, it has been shown that the Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) used along with the BMI is better in predicting risk. Click to calculate WHR
Once you know where you want to reach, the road becomes more clear!
