Not looking after diabetes

Alex, I don't think that anyone could give such a number (i.e. for those who are neglecting they have diabetes) - nor would you find those persons on a site like this.

And, YES, there is a strong correlation between constantly high HbA1c and diabetic complications.

There is a difference in strategies, however, between the way persons with T1 or T2 handle their conditions. So maybe your T1 friend is in good control - even with drinking coke. Why don't you ask him how he is managing? If he is a friend, he surely wouldn't mind if you ask him in the spirit of interest and wishing to obtain information rather than blaming him for his coke-intake.

annelise

annelise said:

Alex, I don't think that anyone could give such a number (i.e. for those who are neglecting they have diabetes) - nor would you find those persons on a site like this.

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There's a thread somewhere about drinking whilst on holiday and there are those people on a site like this.

The stats for how many T1 diabetics meeting their targets show that there is a high number who neglect their condition. At this point we need to add the usual disclaimer that not all of those people are neglecting their condition, some have genuine difficulties controlling it and some are being neglected. I know, in my town, of three other T1 diabetics. All three drink heavily and two of them have been in a diabetic coma within the last 18mths.

The correlation is very real and the complications are frightening. The good thing about being diabetic is you can control it and you can enjoy a long healthy life if you are willing to accept the limitations.

The National Diabetes Audit has shown that around 93% of Type 1s are missing the HbA1c target of 6.5%.

SamJB said:

The National Diabetes Audit has shown that around 93% of Type 1s are missing the HbA1c target of 6.5%.

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Sam, I find this rather sad. (I have no numbers from Denmark but my immediate reaction - guesswork only - would be that they are up there as well). Maybe it is because doctors are afraid of their T1's getting hypos and then do not mind T1's staying on the high side?

I recently read an appalling statistic of the number of amputations done in the UK. Sorry, I cannot refind the the source.

annelise

alexwilko99 said:

First off, my diabetes is well controlled and i haven't seen numbers about 9 in a while.

I was wondering, what percentage of people don't look after their diabetes? Is there a correlation between higher Hba1c and developing complications?
I have a friend who is T1 but i always see him drinking coke at school

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It's difficult to put a number on the people who don't look after their diabetes Alex, even for those who miss the Hba1c targets they could still be managing their diabetes well, remember we don't always see the bigger picture.

The correlation between high bg and complications is well documented and a Google search will throw up some results, as for your friend at school it might be worth having a chat with him and ask why he's drinking Coke, it might well be you see him drinking Coke when his bg is low but he doesn't want to let on to anyone about it, without asking him you will never know.

Well done for asking these questions btw

SamJB said:

The National Diabetes Audit has shown that around 93% of Type 1s are missing the HbA1c target of 6.5%.

Click to expand...

annelise said:

Sam, I find this rather sad. (I have no numbers from Denmark but my immediate reaction - guesswork only - would be that they are up there as well). Maybe it is because doctors are afraid of their T1's getting hypos and then do not mind T1's staying on the high side?

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Guys, I know for a fact my doctor & DSN are more concerned about the hypoglycaemia on my visits.. (How many hypos I've had & when.?)
Where as my concern is the highs & staying within a 5.5 to 7.5 blood sugar range.. (8 at the most.)

My last HbA1c was 7.4 which was "excellent" according to my nurse.. (I'm T1)

My point is.
We all know it's a little "target driven" these days.. Why wasn't I slammed for not getting 6.5..?
They know my "lifestyle choice" is a little worrying regarding the imagery the "rock & roll" stuff evokes..
But the way I actually live couldn't be further from this.. Especially these days!

As we all know there is no cure for diabetes. Once an individual finds out what is right for them? Then it's their responsibility to stay on top of it.
We will always be on the "fringe" when it comes to diet in order to control this until the rest of the world change too!

Incidentally Annalise. I'll be passing through Copenhagen in two weeks time on my way to play at Sweden Rock..