Question: I am 70 years old with type II diabetes. What is an acceptable am glucose level? Is 130mg/dl acceptable?
Answer: Optimal normalization of glucose levels in diabetes patients has been shown to lower the long term risks of diabetic complications (such as diabetic eye, kidney, blood vessel and nerve diseases). Normal fasting morning blood glucose level is 70-120 mg/dl. Therefore, am fasting blood glucose level of 130mg/dl is acceptable. However, having satisfactory am blood glucose level is not enough. Ideally, blood glucose levels before lunch, before dinner, and at bedtime should also be well controlled. Oftentimes, doctor will order a blood test for HgA1C test. Normal HgA1C level indicates good glucose control, while abnormally high level indicates inadequate glucose control.
The risk of medication treatment of high blood glucose is overshooting, causing hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, palpitations, tremor, and weakness. Severe, prolonged hypoglycemia is dangerous and can lead to syncope and other problems. In patients who do not experience early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia, and in patients with coronary heart disease or who have seizures with hypoglycemia, doctors will settle for less ideal control of blood glucose to avoid problems of hypoglycemia.