In 2013, late April and the first of
May, I did three blogs on the American Academy of Family Physicians(AAFP) website. I was correct then and my mind hasn't changed and is
even more disappointed in the website now.
In listing the source of some articles
the following is listed:
- Portions of this article were developed by the American Academy of Family Physicians in cooperation with the American Diabetes Association.
- Portions of this article were developed as part of an educational program made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from LifeScan, Inc., makers of OneTouch Blood Glucose Meters.
- Portions of this article were developed with general underwriting support from The Coca-Cola Company.
Yes, number 3 is very disturbing and
makes me concerned about other conflicts of interest for the AAFP.
The number of critical errors has
increased and it is small wonder that the patients they treat are
receiving any care, as they will be receiving more harm if the
doctors follow the information on the AAFP website.
Quote: There are 2 blood tests
that can help you manage your diabetes. One of these tests is called
an A1C test, which reflects your blood sugar (or blood glucose)
control over the past 2-3 months. Testing your A1C level every 3
months is the best way for you and your doctor to understand how well
your blood sugar levels are controlled. Unquote
The wrong statement above is – an A1c
test, which reflects your blood glucose control over the past 2-3
months. The HbA1c test reflects the prior four months and this is
from David
Mendosa's blog. This seems to be a common
mistake made by many people and I would have thought a professional
group would not make this mistake.
Quote: Your A1C goal will be
determined by your doctor, but it is generally less than 7%.
Unquote This should not happen and your doctor should never
determine your goals. Yes, they may guide you, but never should they
set your goals.
Quote: The other test is called
SMBG, or self-monitoring of blood glucose. Using a blood glucose
monitor to do SMBG, testing can help you improve control of your
blood sugar levels. The results you get from an SMBG test can help
you make appropriate adjustments to your medicine, diet and/or level
of physical activity. Every person who has diabetes should have a
blood glucose monitor (also called a home blood sugar meter, a
glucometer, or a glucose meter) and know how to use it. Unquote
SMBG (self-monitoring of blood glucose)
is not a test, but a series of blood glucose tests used to determine
how certain meals affect your blood glucose levels, help you
determine if you may have something else, such as hypoglycemia (low
blood glucose), hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose), or even
possibly an infection or illness causing elevated blood glucose
levels. For food, the testing needs to be done in pairs with one
test just prior to eating and the second test done 1 or 2 hours after
first or last bite. A single test after a meal is meaningless and
will not tell you whether you need to eliminate a food or greatly
limit it.
Not every person that has diabetes
needs a blood glucose monitor (continuous glucose monitor – CGM).
Most people with type 1 should use one, but most people with type 2
diabetes only need a blood glucose meter. A few type 2 people would
benefit by using a CGM.
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