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Be Involved in Your Health Care: Ask About Low Blood Sugars

A man speaks to his female doctor in a health care setting. The words

For diabetic Veterans, low blood sugar can be a constant worry. When blood sugar levels drop below 70, also known as hypoglycemia, symptoms ranging from mild to severe can set in and quickly become dangerous.

To help regulate blood sugar levels safely, VA providers recommend an A1C blood test for Veterans with diabetes. The A1C is a lab test that lets you and your health care team know about your diabetes control over 2 to 3 months. Historically, diabetes experts believed that maintaining an A1C of less than seven present was the best method for preventing low blood sugar but studies now show that not all patients should have an A1C goal of seven percent or less. In fact, a goal of eight or nine percent may be safer for some diabetics.

Your VA provider can work with you to establish an A1C goal that is most effective for your condition, lifestyle and values. Check out VA’s Diabetic Decision Aid Tool to learn more about setting a safe A1C goal with your provider here: Diabetes Decision Aid Tools | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)

As a diabetic, you may have a lot to manage in addition to your blood sugar levels when it comes to your health. Between maintaining your levels, diet and exercise, and managing medications, diabetes can add a lot of work to your daily routine. Your VA primary care team is a great resource to help you manage your diabetes and improve your quality of life. Each primary care team is comprised of health care experts who are focused on working with you to establish a care plan based on your health care goals.  

For the best results, it is important for you, the Veteran, to take ownership of your health by being an active participant at every stage of the goal planning process.

When establishing goals to treat your diabetes, ask yourself the following questions:

  1. What’s my main problem? (ex. Diabetic fatigue impacts my activity levels)
  2. What do I need in order to do this? (ex. Establish a glucose target range that is safe and effective to improve my energy level)
  3. Why is it important to me to do this? (ex. So that I can play with my children or grandchildren)

By clearly defining your goals, the steps needed to reach them, and your motivation to keep going, you are more likely to achieve results. As you do, your primary care team will help you reshape each goal and continue improving your quality of life.

Diabetes requires a day-to-day management process that can involve your entire family. That’s why VA uses the Shared Decision-Making process to incorporate loved ones in your health care journey. The Shared Decision-Making process takes into account evidence-based information about available options, the health care team’s knowledge and experience, and the values and preferences of each Veteran and their loved ones.

For more information about the Shared Decision-Making process, visit: Be Involved in Your Health Care - National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (va.gov)