Time in Range refers to the amount of time a person with diabetes spends within their target blood glucose range, which is typically between 70-180 mg/dL. This range may vary depending on the individual's specific diabetes management plan and goals.
Time in Range is a measure used in diabetes management to assess how much time a person with diabetes spends within their target blood glucose range. By monitoring and optimizing Time in Range, people with diabetes can better manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications.
0 % Time In Range
If a person with diabetes has 0% Time in Range, it means that their blood glucose levels are never within their target range. This is a concerning situation as it indicates poor diabetes control, which can lead to various short-term and long-term complications. When a person with diabetes has consistently high blood glucose levels it can lead to symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and fatigue. Over time, high blood glucose levels can also cause damage to various organs and tissues, leading to complications such as nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, and cardiovascular disease. Similarly, when a person with diabetes has consistently low blood glucose levels it can lead to symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, and even loss of consciousness, can also cause seizures and coma. Therefore, it is important for people with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly and aim for a Time in Range
25 % Time In Range
If a person with diabetes has a Time in Range (TIR) of 25%, it means that their blood glucose levels are within their target range for 25% of the time. If a person checks their blood glucose levels multiple times a day and spends 6 hours per day within their target range, their TIR would be 25% (6 hours out of 24 hours). While a TIR of 25% is not ideal, it is still a good start towards improving diabetes control
50 % Time In Range
If a person with diabetes has a Time in Range (TIR) of 50%, it means that their blood glucose levels are within their target range for 50% of the time. For example, if a person checks their blood glucose levels multiple times a day and spends 12 hours per day within their target range, their TIR would be 50% (12 hours out of 24 hours).
75 % Time In Range
If a person with diabetes has a Time in Range (TIR) of 75%, it means that their blood glucose levels are within their target range for 75% of the time. For example, if a person checks their blood glucose levels multiple times a day and spends 18 hours per day within their target range, their TIR would be 75% (18 hours out of 24 hours). A TIR of 75% is considered to be a very good goal for people with diabetes, as it indicates that they are spending a significant amount of time within their target range. However, achieving a TIR of 75% can be challenging for some people with diabetes, especially those who have difficulty managing their blood glucose levels
100 % Time In Range
If a person with diabetes has a Time in Range (TIR) of 100%, it means that their blood glucose levels are always within their target range. A TIR of 100% is considered to be an optimal goal for people with diabetes, as it indicates that they are consistently managing their blood glucose levels within a safe and healthy range. This can help reduce the risk of short-term and long-term complications, and improve overall diabetes control. However, achieving a TIR of 100% is very difficult, and may not be possible for everyone with diabetes. Factors such as individual variability in blood glucose levels, stress, illness, and changes in diet or physical activity can all affect blood glucose control. For most people with diabetes, a realistic goal is to achieve a TIR of at least 70% to 80%. This can help reduce the risk of complications and improve overall health and quality of life.
The Many Faces of a 7% A1C
To illustrate the limitations of A1C and the advantages of Time in Range, see the graphic below that shows three different people – all with the same average blood glucose (154 mg/dl) and the same A1C (7%). However, time spend with high, low, and in-range blood glucose values are markedly different: the first person has a rollercoaster of dangerous highs and lows, the second has moderate variability with fewer highs and lows, and the third person has little variability with all time spent in-range.
Why is Time In Range Important ?
Time in Range (TIR) is an important metric for people with diabetes because it provides information about how often their blood glucose levels are within their target range. Maintaining a TIR within a target range can help reduce the risk of short-term and long-term complications associated with diabetes, such as low blood sugar, high blood sugar, diabetic ketoacidosis, nerve damage, kidney damage, and eye problems.
TIR is an important tool for people with diabetes to use in monitoring their blood glucose levels and evaluating the effectiveness of their diabetes management plan.
How to measure TIR
Using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices are used by people with diabetes to continuously monitor their blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. CGM devices use a small sensor that is inserted under the skin to measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid and transmit the data to a receiver or smartphone app.
, CGM devices can provide valuable information and help people with diabetes make more informed decisions about their diabetes management plan.
Key features of CGM devices for diabetes:
1. Continuous monitoring: CGM devices provide continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels, allowing people with diabetes to see how their glucose levels change throughout the day and night. 2. Real-time alerts: CGM devices can provide real-time alerts when blood glucose levels are too high or too low, allowing people with diabetes to take action to avoid hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia. 3. Trend information: CGM devices provide trend information that can help people with diabetes and their healthcare team identify patterns and make adjustments to their diabetes management plan. 4. Data storage: CGM devices store data on blood glucose levels over time, allowing people with diabetes and their healthcare team to review the data and identify areas for improvement. 5. Integration with insulin pumps: Some CGM devices can be integrated with insulin pumps to automatically adjust insulin dosages based on blood glucose levels. 6. Improved accuracy: Advances in CGM technology have led to improvements in accuracy and reliability, making CGM devices a valuable tool for diabetes management.
For more information login to American Diabetic Association
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