Treating Type 2 Diabetes Early for Better Health Outcomes
Treating type 2 diabetes patients as early as possible by controlling blood sugar with insulin and drugs can prolong life and reduce the risk of future complications such as heart attacks, kidney failure, and vision loss, according to long-running research.
Research Insights from the UK Prospective Diabetes Study
Scientists from the Universities of Oxford and Edinburgh analyzed data spanning more than four decades from the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) – one of the longest type 2 diabetes clinical trials. The findings showed that early control of blood glucose with insulin injections or insulin-stimulating tablets can have significant benefits.
Key Findings on Blood Glucose Control
- Early control of blood glucose with insulin or sulfonylureas led to 10% fewer deaths, 17% fewer heart attacks, and 26% fewer diabetic complications.
- Using metformin resulted in 31% fewer heart attacks and 20% fewer deaths.
Professor Rury Holman, the founding director of the University of Oxford Diabetes Trials Unit, highlighted the critical importance of early detection and intensive treatment of type 2 diabetes to improve outcomes.
Impact of Treatment Strategies on Life Expectancy
The UKPDS trial, initiated in 1977, compared intensive blood glucose control strategies with conventional methods. The study revealed that intensive therapies involving sulfonylurea, insulin, or metformin led to a lifelong reduced risk of early death and heart attack compared to dietary changes.
Global Guidelines and Recommendations
Following the trial, guidelines worldwide were updated to recommend intensive therapies for all individuals with type 2 diabetes. Professor Amanda Adler emphasized the importance of early and thorough treatment of type 2 diabetes for better health outcomes.
Positive Impact on Quality of Life
Professor Philip Clarke from the University of Oxford Health Economics Research Centre highlighted the increased life expectancy and improved quality of life associated with intensive blood glucose control. Reduced rates of diabetes-related complications contribute to an overall positive impact on quality of life.
The follow-up of the UK Prospective Diabetes Study was presented at the 67th Japan Diabetes Society meeting in Tokyo and published in The Lancet.
