30-year-long study reveals long-term benefits of good glucose control
15 years, 7 months ago
10289
0
Posted on Sep 12, 2008, 6 a.m.
By Rich Hurd
A 30-year-long study has revealed that many of the complications associated with type 2 diabetes are avoidable if patients manage to keep glucose levels under control from as soon as they are diagnosed with the disease.
A 30-year-long study has revealed that many of the complications associated with type 2 diabetes are avoidable if patients manage to keep glucose levels under control from as soon as they are diagnosed with the disease.
Professor Rury Holman and colleagues at Oxford University found that improving blood glucose control as soon as possible after diagnosis reaps long-term benefits. Results of the study showed that early blood glucose control significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and the risk of death from any cause, as well as reducing the risk of other complications of type 2 diabetes, such as kidney disease and eye disease.
“We now know not only that good glucose control from the time type 2 diabetes is diagnosed reduces the rate of diabetic complications but also that this early intervention leads to sustained benefits in the longer term – a legacy effect”, said Professor Holman in a press release issued by Oxford University. “These results emphasise the importance of detecting and treating diabetes at the earliest opportunity and the major benefits that can be obtained with good blood glucose control.”
Holman RR, Paul SK, Bethel MA, Matthews DR, Neil HAW. 10-Year Follow-up of Intensive Glucose Control in Type 2 Diabetes. NEJM. September 10, 2008 (10.1056/NEJMoa0806470).
Press release: 30-year study shows benefits of glucose control. University of Oxford website. September 10th 2008.
