A recent study by researchers from the Universities of Gothenburg and Oxford highlights the critical importance of controlling blood sugar levels immediately after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
The findings reveal that the first few years after diagnosis play a significant role in shaping the risk of heart attacks and death in later years.
Using data from the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), the researchers analyzed the effects of blood sugar management during the early stages of type 2 diabetes.
They examined how blood sugar levels influenced the risk of heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) and death 10 to 20 years later. Their findings emphasize the urgent need for early and effective blood sugar control.
The study revealed that achieving target blood sugar levels (an HbA1c of 52 mmol/mol or lower) soon after diagnosis reduced the risk of death by 20% over the following 10 to 15 years.
In contrast, delaying proper blood sugar management until 10 years after diagnosis resulted in only a 3% reduction in the risk of death. These results underscore the long-term benefits of starting diabetes care as early as possible.
The research also provides insight into what is known as the “glycemic legacy effect.” This concept refers to how early control of blood sugar levels can lead to lasting benefits, including reduced risks of diabetic complications and death, for up to 30 years.
The discovery of this effect has shaped diabetes treatment guidelines worldwide, stressing the need for immediate and effective blood sugar control at the time of diagnosis.
These findings not only highlight the importance of managing blood sugar levels but also emphasize the need for early detection of type 2 diabetes.
Undiagnosed high blood sugar levels can silently cause harm for years, increasing the risk of complications by the time the condition is identified. Catching diabetes early can allow for timely interventions that significantly improve long-term outcomes.
The study serves as a reminder that type 2 diabetes is a condition best managed from the start. Instituting proper blood sugar control early on can lower the risks of heart attacks, reduce complications, and extend life expectancy.
For individuals already diagnosed, it reinforces the value of working closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments, medications if needed, and regular monitoring.
Published in Diabetes Care and led by Professor Marcus Lind, this study is a call to action for both individuals and healthcare systems to prioritize early detection and management of type 2 diabetes.
By acting promptly, the devastating long-term consequences of uncontrolled diabetes can be minimized, offering hope for better outcomes and healthier lives.
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