Mean HbA1c, HbA1c variability, and mortality in people with diabetes aged 70 years and older

Researchers reviewed medical records from older adults with diabetes, all aged 70 or more. They looked at HbA1c, a blood test showing average blood sugar over the previous two to three months, and at how much those results changed over time. People with larger swings in HbA1c had a higher risk of dying during follow-up. Very low or very high average HbA1c levels were also linked with higher risk than middle-range levels. This was an observational study, so it could show links but not prove that HbA1c levels caused the deaths.

What this means for you: For older people with diabetes, steady and individually appropriate blood sugar control may be better than chasing very low numbers. Do not change treatment based on this study alone, because illness and frailty may partly explain the results.