### New A1C Guidelines for Type 2 Diabetes If you have type 2 diabetes, you might have heard that a good A1C target is usually between 6.5% and 7%. A1C is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. Doctors use it to see how well your diabetes is being managed. However, the American College of Physicians (ACP) now suggests a higher A1C target of 7% to 8%. They believe this new range is not riskier than the lower target and can help save money, reduce the burden of medication, and prevent complications from low blood sugar, especially in older adults. Dr. Rodney Hayward from the University of Michigan, whose research helped shape these guidelines, mentioned that recent studies show tight glucose control might not be as beneficial as once thought and could even be harmful due to low blood sugar reactions. These new guidelines have sparked mixed reactions. Some medical professionals argue that the data used to support the new target is flawed and might lead to more lenient blood sugar control. On the other hand, some experts praise the personalized approach and the consideration of patients' preferences and medication costs. The ACP's recommendations differ from other diabetes organizations like the American Diabetes Association, which still recommends an A1C target of 7%, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, which advises aiming for 6.5%. Dr. Utpal Pajvani from Columbia University supports the idea of personalizing A1C targets but worries that the new guidelines might not be suitable for all patients, especially those without heart disease. He also points out that the guidelines focus more on preventing heart attacks and less on other complications like vision impairment or kidney disease. In summary, while the new A1C guidelines by the ACP aim to reduce the risks and costs associated with tight glucose control, they have also raised concerns about potentially less stringent diabetes management.