A study by researchers from the Universities of Gothenburg and Oxford has highlighted the importance of promptly managing blood sugar levels in people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
This research underscores the critical nature of the initial years following a diabetes diagnosis, revealing that early control of blood sugar is a key determinant in reducing the risk of heart attacks and premature death.
Diabetes, a condition marked by high levels of sugar in the blood, poses significant health risks, including an increased likelihood of heart disease.
The study focused on understanding how blood sugar levels, from the moment type 2 diabetes is identified, influence the risk of developing heart-related issues and the overall prognosis for patients.
The research team delved into data from the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), specifically examining the impact of blood sugar management in the early years post-diagnosis on the likelihood of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and death 10 to 20 years later.
Their findings were striking, showing that early blood sugar levels play a far more significant role in predicting future health outcomes than previously understood.
One of the key discoveries was the benefit of adhering to treatment guidelines that recommend keeping HbA1c levels (a measure of blood sugar control over the past two to three months) at 52 mmol/mol or lower from the time of diagnosis.
This approach was associated with a 20% reduction in the risk of death 10 to 15 years later. Conversely, delaying optimal blood sugar control until 10 years after being diagnosed only offered a modest 3% reduction in death risk.
The study’s implications are profound. It underscores the urgent need for early and effective blood sugar management in type 2 diabetes to significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Moreover, it highlights the necessity of early detection of type 2 diabetes, preventing individuals from living with undiagnosed and unmanaged high blood sugar levels for years, which can have detrimental health effects.
This research sheds light on the “glycemic legacy effect,” a phenomenon where establishing good blood sugar control early in the disease process can reduce the risks of diabetes-related complications and death for up to three decades.
This understanding has shaped global treatment guidelines, emphasizing the importance of achieving good blood glucose control as swiftly as possible following a diabetes diagnosis.
In essence, the study by Professor Marcus Lind and colleagues, published in Diabetes Care, offers compelling evidence for the critical role of immediate and sustained blood sugar management in mitigating the risks associated with type 2 diabetes, particularly heart disease and premature death.
It serves as a call to action for healthcare providers and patients alike to prioritize early and effective diabetes management, potentially transforming the prognosis for millions of individuals living with this chronic condition.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about high vitamin D level linked to lower dementia risk in diabetes, and this eating habit could help reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about unhealthy plant-based diets linked to metabolic syndrome, and results showing Paleo diet plus exercise could boost heart health in people with diabetes
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