Glycaemic Variability in Diabetes

Glycemic variability GV pertains to the variations in blood glucose levels throughout a period. In diabetes it specifically refers to the wide swings in blood sugar levels experienced by diabetic patients. Normally blood glucose levels vary during the day in reaction to various factors including food consumption physical activity stress and hormone release. Nevertheless individuals with poorly managed blood sugar levels often encounter more substantial and frequent fluctuations in their glucose levels a phenomenon prevalent in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The assessment of glucose variability GV involves various methods encompassing short term measures such as within-day and between-day variations as well as long-term GV typically determined by sequential measurements over an extended period incorporating values such as HbA1c fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels. Strategies to address glycaemic variability in individuals with diabetes include lifestyle adjustments medication continuous glucose monitoring CGM insulin pump therapy and diabetes education and support.