WHEN THE ADA SPEAKS...
Check out these insights from American Diabetes Association spokesman John B. Buse, MD, PhD, CDE.
Insights from the ADA
In this brief interview, John B. Buse, MD, PhD, CDE, provides direction for both maintenance and care for those with diabetes. Dr. Buse is a member of the American Diabetes Association board of directors, serving as president-elect, Medicine and Science. He also is chief of general medicine and clinical epidemiology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine and director of the Diabetes Care Center, UNC-Chapel Hill.
Caring Today: What's the ADA's most urgent concern regarding the public's understanding of diabetes?
Dr. Buse: Diabetes and its complications are largely preventable if addressed early by healthful eating, regular exercise, medications as needed to control the A1Cs and regular check-ups by the healthcare team.
CT: What is the recommended number of times per day that a person with diabetes should test, and when are the recommended times?
Buse: As often as necessary to be sure that he or she is in good control; generally, between a few times a week and once a day for many patients on lifestyle or oral-agent treatments. For patients on sophisticated insulin regimens or with problems with hypoglycemia, frequency is different;, some will check 10 to 20 times a day or use continuous glucose sensors. Not doing so can lead to poor control or hypoglycemia.
CT: What are the biggest mistakes people with diabetes make?
Buse: Not being aware of their numbers and goals-A1C less than seven percent; pre-meal blood sugar should be between 70 and 130, after meals should be less than 180; blood pressure should be less than 130 systolic and less than 80 diastolic; LDL cholesterol should be less than 100 unless people have known vascular disease, in which case it should be less than 70. Most people with diabetes, at least those over the age of 40, should take a baby aspirin a day; and none should smoke.
CT: What are the three most important things caregivers can do to support those with diabetes who are in their care?
Buse: Don't nag. Don't sabotage. Create a supportive environment where it is easy to make good choices.