glucosecontrole

Glucosecontrole is the process of maintaining blood glucose within a target range to minimize symptoms and complications of abnormal glucose metabolism. It is central to the management of diabetes mellitus and is also relevant in critical care and perioperative settings. Effective glucosecontrole aims to reduce long-term microvascular complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, as well as acute complications including hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

Targets and measurements: Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) reflects average glucose over about three months; a common goal for many adults with diabetes is an A1C below 7%. Fasting and postprandial blood glucose targets vary, but commonly fasting 80-130 mg/dL (4.4–7.2 mmol/L) and postprandial less than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L) are used. In hospital and critical care, targets are often wider to reduce hypoglycemia risk, such as 140–180 mg/dL.

Monitoring: self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) using finger-stick or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provide glucose values and trends. CGM devices can display time-in-range (TIR) and glycemic variability, informing treatment adjustments.

Approaches: glucosecontrole is achieved with lifestyle measures (carbohydrate counting, consistent meal timing, physical activity) and pharmacotherapy. In type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is required; in type 2 diabetes, metformin is often first-line, with additional agents (SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists) and sometimes insulin. In pregnancy, targets are tighter and require careful monitoring. Technologies such as insulin pumps and automated insulin delivery systems support tighter control but require education and monitoring to minimize hypoglycemia and device-related issues.