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negative, containing out of date references and lead to thread locks.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.
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:
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%
.
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
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