Treatment targets

People with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetes complications. As we have seen so far, weight, healthy eating, physical activity and medications can all play an important role in reducing your risk of these complications.

However, there are other factors that can contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications.

We call these the three treatment targets. They are blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol.

Please watch the video below to find out more about the treatment targets for type 2 diabetes:

Blood glucose

Average blood glucose is measured using a blood test called glycated haemoglobin, or HbA1c. HbA1c gives us the average blood glucose reading over the past 3 months in an individual. It analyses how much glucose is attached to your haemoglobin (the protein molecule in the blood that carries oxygen). If this reading is greater than 48mmol/mol (6.5%) then this can be diagnostic of diabetes.

The HbA1c ranges are:

You’ll agree to an HbA1c target with your diabetes team. For most people a target of around 53mmol/mol or less is good to aim for.

Blood pressure

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted on the walls of the blood vessels by the blood that flows through them. For most people with type 2 diabetes, aiming for a blood pressure lower than 140/90 mmHg is a good goal. Some guidelines suggest less than 130/80 mmHg or even lower. If you have diabetes complications, your healthcare team will advise you.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat carried through your blood which we can measure using a blood test. For most people with type 2 diabetes, (particularly if you are taking medication like statins), a cholesterol target of less than 4 mmol/L is a good guide.

Most people over the age of 40 who have diabetes will be offered a cholesterol tablet to help reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease