The call has come from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), which is a U.K. government health body. NICEC makes recommendations to the U.K. health service for best practices, as well as reviewing new medicines in relation to clinical data and cost effectiveness.
The three new NICE guidelines relate to type 1 diabetes in adults, type 1 and 2 diabetes in children and young people, as well as those with diabetic foot problems. Foot complications, like ulcers, are common with people who develop diabetes.
According to Pharmafile, the new guidelines recommend that adults with type 1 diabetes aim for a target HbA1c level of 48 mmol/mol (6.5 percent) or lower. This is to minimise their risk of long-term vascular complications.
HbA1c is a term commonly used in relation to diabetes. The term refers to “glycated haemoglobin.” This develops when the blood protein haemoglobin conjugates with glucose in the blood. When this happens the haemoglobin becomes ‘glycated’.
The measurement of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) allows healthcare professionals to obtain the average blood sugar levels in a person over a period of time. This is important because, for those with diabetes, the higher the HbA1c then the higher the risk of developing diabetes-related complications, especially long-term vascular complications.
In terms of detecting the risk of diabetes earlier, a report by Public Health England indicates that around five million people in England are at risk of developing type-2 diabetes.
With the new guidelines, NICE is also recommending a new health promotion package be put in place. This would be used by hospital staff and general practitioners.
Commenting on the guidelines, Sir Andrew Dillon, NICE Chief Executive, stated: “The standard of diabetes care varies across the National Health Service (NHS.) These updated guidelines are designed to help more people to receive the best treatment and support. They recommend effective and cost effective care and advice to NHS organisations.”
In related news, new research from the North Dakota State University, Fargo, suggests that regular snacking in pears can help people, manage type 2 diabetes.
