American family physician
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There is considerable benefit of tight glucose control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Tight blood glucose control dramatically decreases the incidence of microvascular and macrovascular complications. Although glycemic goals should be individualized, most nonpregnant adults should strive for an A1C level less than 7%. ⋯ Blood pressure and lipid control are important to prevent cardiovascular disease events. Patients with type 1 diabetes should have sick-day plans and be able to identify warning signs of hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. Advances in diabetes care, including the bionic pancreas and the closed-loop system of glucose monitoring with an automated insulin pump, may have a significant effect on type 1 diabetes care in the years ahead.