Why is it important to monitor blood sugar levels?

Elevated blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) damages blood vessels and nerves throughout the body.

Long-term consequences:

  • Microvascular: eye damage (retinopathy), kidney damage (nephropathy), neuropathy
  • Macrovascular: heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease

Target values:

Indicator Standard
Fasting glucose 3.9-5.5 mmol/L
2 hours after a meal <7.8 mmol/L
HbA1c (healthy) <5.7% (<39 mmol/mol)
HbA1c target in diabetic patients <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol)

Dr Caune helps not only to prescribe medicines, but also to teach self-monitoring skills - using a glucometer, keeping a diary, recognising hypoglycaemia.

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