Is tight control of blood glucose dangerous?
It can be. The major danger is hypoglycemia, especially in people with type 1 diabetes. Serious hypoglycemia may result in altered consciousness, coma, or convulsions resulting in injury to the patient or others. Hypoglycemia may also have harmful effects on neuropsychological and intellectual function in children, although in DCCT participants, these adverse effects were not observed. In older people, low blood glucose may lead to strokes or heart attacks. The intensive treatment group in the DCCT had a threefold greater risk of severe hypoglycemia than the standard treatment group. The risk of hypoglycemia must be taken into consideration, although the danger may be reduced by frequent blood glucose monitoring; adjustment of insulin dosage; alteration of the timing, frequency, and content of meals; and change in exercise/activity patterns. Thus, comprehensive self-management training is essential. The intensive treatment group also experienced significant weight gain, which can have
