To What Target Hemoglobin A1c Level Would You Treat This Patient With Type 2 Diabetes?

In the United States, 9.4% of all adults-and 25% of those older than 65 years-have diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness and end-stage renal disease and contributes to both microvascular and macrovascular complications. The management of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a common and important activity in primary care internal medicine practice. Measurement of hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) provides an estimate of mean blood sugar levels and glycemic control. The optimal HbA(1c) target level among various persons with T2D is a subject of controversy. Guidelines regarding HbA(1c) targets have yielded differing recommendations. In 2018, the American College of Physicians (ACP) published a guideline on HbA(1c) targets for nonpregnant adults with T2D. In addition to a recommendation to individualize HbA(1c) target levels, the ACP proposed a level between 7% and 8% for most patients. The ACP also advised deintensification of therapy for patients who have an HbA(1c) level lower than 6.5% and avoidance of HbA(1c)-targeted treatment for patients with a life expectancy of less than 10 years. This guidance contrasts with a recommendation from the American Diabetes Association to aim for HbA(1c) levels less than 7% for many nonpregnant adults and to consider a target of 6.5% if it can be achieved safely. Here, 2 experts, a diabetologist and a general internist, discuss how to apply the divergent guideline recommendations to a patient with long-standing T2D and a current HbA(1c) level of 7.8%.