Phoenix The CareGiver

Ah, the return of Phoenix, the Caregiver. The diabetes forums are awash with her posts. Sharing her stories, support and solutions for helping Type 1 diabetics reduce their blood glucose levels and thereby risk of complications. But, but, what’s that I hear? Yes, yes the diabetes forums are awash with her posts but NOT with stories, support and solutions for helping Type 1 diabetics reduce their blood glucose levels. In fact it would be hard to find one post offering a solution for helping a Type 1 diabetic reduce their blood glucose level. Instead, you will find 100s of posts regarding low-carb diets. You might argue that this indicates highly altruistic behaviour in support for Type 2 diabetics. However, closer reading reveals the posts are highly negative, containing out of date references and lead to thread locks.

Returning to Type 1 diabetics. The tragic extent of the problem is illustrated by the 2010-2011 National Diabetes Audit.

http://www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/Services/NCASP/Diabetes/201011%20annual%20reports/National_Diabetes_Audit_2010_2011_Report1_Care_Processes_And_Treatment_Targets_V3.pdf

The National Diabetes Audit 2010-2011 (Updated 28.09/2012)

Percentage of registered Type 1 patients in England

HbA1c >= 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) = 93.1%

HbA1c > 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) = 71.7%

HbA1c > 10.0% (86 mmol/mol) = 17.5%

Percentage of registered Type 1 patients in Wales

HbA1c >= 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) = 94.9%

HbA1c > 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) = 75.3%

HbA1c > 10.0% (86 mmol/mol) = 20.1%

The consequences of poor control are well documented. A recent example of poor control in Scotland:

http://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/serious-complications-in-people-with.html

I have yet to read a post by the Caregiver commenting on these results. The Caregiver may have posted regarding the so-called best educational provision currently available for Type 1 diabetics, DAFNE. However, a recent publication indicates that over a 7 year period the participants in the course achieved a reduction in HbA1c of only 0.3% to an average of 8.3%

.

http://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/dafne-versus-dafne-low-carb.html

You would have more respect for her if, instead of the carping negativity, she was able to offer some constructive advice to Type 1 diabetics in lowering their HbA1c to at least less than 7.5%.

John