Managing diabetes is a unique journey for each individual, but there are key indicators like time-in-range, A1C levels, and reduced glucose variability that are crucial in evaluating how well diabetes is being managed. With the support of programs like SweetSpot, people with diabetes can make steady progress toward these targets through regular guidance from their care team, proactive medication adjustments when they need it (between scheduled appointments), and tailored support throughout the year.
Below we'll dive into some of those metrics and goals, as well as how regular support through the SweetSpot program can help.
1. Improved Time-in-Range
What It Is: Time-in-range (TIR) refers to the percentage of time your blood glucose levels stay within target range, which is typically between 70-180 mg/dL for most people with diabetes. Time-in-range is a key success indicator because it directly impacts your day-to-day wellbeing and helps prevent the highs and lows that can lead to health complications.
How SweetSpot Helps: With regular monitoring through programs like SweetSpot, providers can continuously check in on their patients' time-in-range and make timely adjustments to their regimens if needed. Small tweaks, such as adjusting insulin doses or timing meals differently, can make a big difference in achieving higher time-in-range percentages.
2. Lower A1C Levels
What It Is: A1C is a measure of your average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. For many people with diabetes, a target A1C is below 7% (though goals vary by individual). Lowering A1C reduces the risk of complications and indicates better long-term glucose control.
How SweetSpot Helps: Data from a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) provides valuable insights into how daily patterns influence your A1C. With monthly data reviews, providers can assess their patients' progress and suggest adjustments to treatment plans that will help lower A1C without compromising their quality of life. Programs like SweetSpot allow for ongoing monitoring and recommendations, making it easier to work toward this long-term goal in small, manageable steps.
3. Reduced Glucose Variability
What It Is: Glucose variability measures the swings between high and low blood glucose levels. Minimizing these fluctuations is important for stable energy levels, reduced stress, and overall diabetes management. Lower glucose variability is linked with fewer complications and better time-in-range.
How SweetSpot Helps: Regular data reviews through remote monitoring can reveal patterns in blood glucose variability, enabling care teams to make targeted changes to treatment plans. Whether it’s adjusting insulin doses around certain activities or recommending dietary changes, the insights gained from regular monitoring help minimize glucose swings and create a smoother management experience.
4. Fewer Episodes of Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia
What It Is: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) episodes can have serious short-term and long-term effects on health. Reducing the frequency and severity of these episodes is an important goal for managing diabetes.
How SweetSpot Helps: Through consistent remote data monitoring, care teams can identify patterns leading to these episodes and provide personalized recommendations to prevent them. For example, if physical activity is causing low blood sugar, a provider might suggest adjustments to snacks or medication timing.
5. Enhanced Quality of Life
What It Is: Diabetes management shouldn’t take over your life. A key goal is achieving better glucose management while also enjoying a higher quality of life with fewer disruptions due to blood sugar issues.
How SweetSpot Helps: Regular support helps reduce the mental and emotional burden of diabetes by providing reassurance that one's care team is monitoring their progress. Programs like SweetSpot allow for ongoing, personalized adjustments, and this consistent support helps minimize the daily stresses of managing diabetes.
How SweetSpot Helps People With Diabetes Reach These Goals
SweetSpot is designed to support people with diabetes in reaching these goals through consistent data reviews, feedback, and proactive care adjustments.
Timely Adjustments: SweetSpot enables care teams to review their patients' glucose data monthly, making real-time adjustments that support their health targets, like time-in-range.
Proactive Monitoring: Providers using SweetSpot can keep track of patterns and trends in their patients' glucose levels, reaching out to them with suggestions and support when adjustments are needed.
Personalized Insights: With regular data insights, SweetSpot empowers care teams to provide guidance tailored to their patients' unique patterns and lifestyle, helping them make informed choices.
Achieving success in diabetes management is a journey, but with clear goals and reliable support, these health targets are within reach. Have questions about the SweetSpot program? Our team is here to help at hello@sweetspot.health.
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