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Prognosis for Diabetes

The prognosis for diabetes depends on how low the hemoglobin A1C (the three-month blood sugar average) is. To prevent the side effects of diabetes, it is important to keep the A1C as close to normal as possible.

  1. Complications of Diabetes

    • Major complications of diabetes include heart disease and kidney diseases, as well as nerve, eye and foot damage.

    Normal A1C Range

    • It is important---and sometimes difficult---to reach the preferred A1C level of below 7 percent, but such a reading will promote a healthy future.

    Lowering the A1C

    • The best way to lower your A1C is to keep your blood sugar between 70 and 150. This can be accomplished by regular testing of blood sugar, intake of diabetes medications, eating healthy and exercising frequently.

    The DCCT Study

    • The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) started tracking diabetics in 1983 and has found that after 30 years the best way to improve a prognosis is to maintain control of blood sugar.

    Overall Prognosis

    • By keeping your A1C under 7 percent you can reduce your risk of developing eye disease by 76 percent, kidney disease by 50 percent, heart disease by 42 percent and nerve damage by 60 percent.

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