Diabetics are risking heart disease and strokes by failing to check their blood sugar levels often e...
Diabetics are risking heart disease and strokes by failing to check their blood sugar levels often enough, according to a report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The Johns Hopkins University study said that by only testing their blood twice a day, both type I and type II diabetics are allowing their sugar levels to exceed safe limits for sustained periods. The long-term effects of a high blood sugar count can include blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage.
Diabetics are advised to ensure their blood sugar levels remain between 4mmol/l (millimoles per litre) and 7mmol/l. However, the report found that even a 1% rise can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 18%.
Although no conclusive link was discovered, the survey strongly suggested a relationship between poor control of blood sugar levels and the development of cardiovascular complaints.
Author of the study, Sherita Golden of Johns Hopkins University, said: "The relationship between blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and heart disease has remained unclear until now. Our research suggests that management of blood sugar levels is still a key part of cardiovascular disease prevention in diabetes."
