Back In The Lab
This lab value measures the amount of hemoglobin proteins in the blood that are covered with sugar. Also known as the golden standard when it comes to diagnosing patients with T2DM.
What is an A1C? (HbA1C)
Humulin, Lantus, Novolog, Semglee, Fiasp, Apidra, Toujeo, Tresiba, Humulin-N, Afrezza
What is insulin?
This is the length of time a patient with Diabetes must have their A1c checked.
What is 3 months? (every 3 months)
This complication can affect different types of nerves in the body. This includes those in the hands, feet, organs, and muscles. Symptoms include numbness, burning sensation, aching, cramps, and weakness.
What is peripheral neuropathy? (microvascular diabetic neuropathy)
This procedure allows an optometrist or ophthalmologist to inspect a patient's eyes to look for signs of vision loss, blurriness, or retinal damage.
What is an eye exam?
This is the standard A1c goal for MOST patients with T2DM. (No other severe co-morbidities)
What is less than 7%?
Micronase, Glynase, Amaryl, and Glucotrol
What are Sulfonylureas? (SUs)
This is the length of time rapid acting insulin starts working in the body.
What is 5-15 minutes?
This complication is characterized by damaged eye vessels that cause vision loss or blindness in people with diabetes.
What is retinopathy? (microvascular diabetic retinopathy)
This procedure allows a podiatrist to inspect the outer appearance of a patient's lower limbs for signs of infection or poor blood circulation.
What is a diabetic foot exam?
This is the blood glucose target range for a person with diabetes prior to eating or drinking.
What is 80-130 mg/dL? (Fasting glucose range)
Rosiglitazone and Pioglitazone
What are Thiazolidinediones? (TZDs)
This is the time period when a patient may see the full effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on their A1c.
What is 4-8 weeks?
This complication occurs when poorly controlled diabetes damages the blood vessels in the kidneys. This can lead to high blood pressure and kidney damage.
What is diabetic nephropathy? (microvascular diabetic kidney disease or chronic kidney disease)
These vaccines are recommended for every patient with Diabetes due to being vulnerable and immunocompromised.
Covid, Flu, Pneumonia, Zoster/Shingles (if over 50), Tdap, Hep B (2022-2024) | Covid, Flu, Hep B, Pnuemonia, RSV (2025)
This is the blood glucose target for a patient 2 hours after eating or drinking.
What is less than 180 mg/dL? (post prandial glucose)
Sitagliptin, Alogliptin, Linagliptin, Saxagliptin
What are Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors? (DPP-4 inhibitors)
This is the length of time short acting insulin peaks within the body.
What is 2-4 hours?
This condition is a result of built up glucose in the blood, which leads to fatty deposits or clots in blood vessels. These clots can block or narrow blood vessels in the brain or neck, which can cut off blood supply and prevent oxygen from reaching the brain.
What is cerebrovascular disease? (macrovascular cerebrovascular accident / stroke)
This medication is recommended for patients with T2DM to prevent a stroke, myocardial infarction, or any other coronary artery disease. It's mechanism of action is blocking the active site of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase.
What is a statin?
This is another common lab value we expect to be out of range when a patient's blood glucose is uncontrolled.
What are triglycerides?
Starlix and Prandin
What are Meglitinides? (Nateglinide and repaglinide)
This is the duration of action time for Insulin Degludec.
What is up to 42 hours?
This complication is a condition that occurs when blood circulation to a part of the body is reduced due to a blocked or narrowed blood vessel. It occurs when a sticky plaque made of cholesterol and fats builds up on artery walls.
What is peripheral vascular disease? (macrovascular peripheral artery disease)
These modifiable lifestyle factors can have the biggest impact on a patient's blood sugar and overall health.
What are diet, exercise, maintaining a normal weight, and tobacco cessation?