James,
Studies have shown that the frequency of complications approaches unity with the non-diabetic population at an HbA1c of around 6.5%. Look up the DCCT trial. Another study has shown that Type 1 diabetics with an HbA1c < 6% have a higher mortality rate.
I'd argue that its dangerous to aim for an HbA1c in the 4s as you will likely lose your hypo symptoms. It only takes a single hypo to kill you.
I'm on insulin and my last two A1Cs were 4.9. I test all the time and on 3units Humolog( 75/25 ) in the morning and 0 to 3 in the evening. I exercise - running and weights.
I purposely tend to run a higher fasting BG level, but really control my post meal spikes. When I first was diagnosed I was A1C of 13.6 and looking back I was sick for years. My initial insulin was about 37units and antibodies for both type 1 and type 2. Obviously, I was insulin resistant. Now if I suspend all insulin and exercise - keeping with the diet my BG creeps back up relentlessly.
I had issues with my eyes, burning numb feet, unable to stand quickly without fainting and both classic hip and back pain that was worse in the evenings. These after almost a year have surprisingly cleared up - I'm lucky I know especially no kidney damage
As for the hypos, it is tricky. The better physical shape and stronger core muscles I have the less severity of the hypos or so it seems.
I've not had a terrible hypo on this insulin that I am aware of. I do get classic symptoms sweating on the back of the neck and shoulders but BG I usually in the 90s, I just eat some raisins or glucose tabs.
The more seriousness or low hypos are that when running my thigh muscles feel wobbly and if I am out and about I can become overly irritated with people. These are rare, and occur if I've missed a meal and are corrected with raisins or glucose.
As for the studies Jenny Rhu has looked at many and disagrees with the methodology and conclusions
http://www.bloodsugar101.com ( sorry a framed site so can't give you the exact URL ). These studies are older as are here reviews 2006 to 2008. But are pertinent as my GP is always quoting them.
I of course am biased and I think very highly of Dr. Bernstein and his book 'The Diabetic Solution' which I thought at first was rubbish.
I also, believe one strong therapeutic measure that is not used and that is pushing I self with high intensity exercise - based upon ones fitness level.
There was a study of older patients with heart failure and one group did high intensity exercise vs the other which did normal physical therapy - when the study ended the HIE group had increased their oxygen uptake by 26% which dramatically enhanced their lives.
Dr. Bernstein believes this too, and he writes that he believes that doing high intensity exercise for over 30-minutes pushing one above their theoretical max heart rate is an important factor in controlling heart disease. He goes as far as increasing patients max heart rates as slow as 1-extra beat a month until reaching their goal.
Sent from Runner2009 Burt