| BS, weight, Targets for a 78 year old?
This morning I was talking with an elderly acquaintance. He was diagnosed with type 2 about a year ago. The diabetologist (the same doc as I go to and shes good) has told him that his BS should not go above 140 (90 before meals) and that he needs to lose about 11kg .She is also worried about his blood pressure and wants him to see a cardiologist.He is very sceptical and says that his GP tells him not to worry about weight and that hes OK as long as his BS doesn't go above 200 too often. (apparently the pharmacist agrees with the GP). He doesn't appear to have changed his diet. (certainly didn't say no to a sticky Greek pastry this morning.....sorry I sound like the diabetes police). He tests once a day but really only to record the results.
My friend says that at his age it doesn't matter.It's far too late to change and probably won't make any difference to how long he lives. He doesn't want to reduce the quality of his life.
Part of me agrees, perhaps he doesn't really need the same targets/ restricitions as the rest of us.He might as well continue to enjoy his life. On the other hand is it possible that complications may arise very quickly causing him a miserable last few years?
What do others think?  | 
