“Your diabetes is out of control.” “You need to control your diabetes.”
Have you ever heard your doctor or nurse say this? What do they mean?
Many people with diabetes think that control refers to self-control or that THEY are out of control. This usually isn’t meant as a judgment of your self-control. Out of control means that the blood sugar is above the target range much of the time, or often goes up or down.
Some things that affect blood sugar are within your control. You make choices about your activity level, taking your medicines and what you eat. Others things are not within your control, such as being sick or how medicines affect you.
Control is measured by the A1c test. This is the blood test with a memory it tells your blood sugar for the last two to three months. It tells you if your medicines, meal and activity plans are working. It is recommended that the A1c be less than 8.0%. In studies, people with diabetes had significantly fewer complications at this level. Every step you take to control your blood sugar lowers your risk for complications.
Here are some questions to ask if you hear that your diabetes is out of control.
- What does out of control mean?
- What is my A1c level?
- Is it time to have an A1c level done (every 3 to 6 months is recommended)?
- Are there other treatments I should try?
- What else can I do to help keep my blood sugar in control.
