A new study by researchers from the Universities of Gothenburg and Oxford has found that managing blood sugar levels right after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is crucial for long-term health.
The study shows that the first few years after diagnosis play a huge role in determining a person’s risk of heart attacks and even death later in life. This discovery highlights the importance of acting quickly and effectively to control blood sugar levels as soon as someone finds out they have type 2 diabetes.
The researchers used data from the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), which has followed many patients with type 2 diabetes over several decades.
They wanted to see how blood sugar levels in the early years after diagnosis affected the risk of heart attacks and death 10 to 20 years later. The results were clear: people who managed their blood sugar levels well right from the start had a much better chance of avoiding serious health problems later.
The main measure used to track blood sugar control is called HbA1c. This test shows the average blood sugar level over the past three months. Doctors recommend that people with type 2 diabetes keep their HbA1c level at 52 mmol/mol or lower to reduce health risks.
According to the study, people who reached this target soon after their diagnosis had a 20% lower chance of dying from health-related issues 10 to 15 years later.
In contrast, those who waited 10 years to get their blood sugar under control saw only a 3% reduction in their risk of death. This huge difference shows just how important early action is. Waiting too long to manage blood sugar levels means missing out on the protective benefits that good control provides.
This study also explains something called the “glycemic legacy effect.” This term describes how good blood sugar control early in the course of diabetes can provide long-lasting benefits. Even years after blood sugar levels are brought under control, the positive effects remain, reducing the risk of heart disease, kidney problems, and other complications.
This effect can last for up to 30 years, according to the research. Because of these findings, health guidelines around the world now stress the importance of achieving good blood sugar control as soon as possible after diagnosis.
Early diagnosis is also very important. Many people live with type 2 diabetes for years without knowing it, allowing high blood sugar levels to damage their bodies quietly over time.
This study emphasizes the need for regular health check-ups, especially for people at risk of diabetes, such as those who are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or live with high blood pressure. Detecting the condition early means that treatment can begin sooner, potentially saving lives.
The researchers believe that focusing on early blood sugar control could change how doctors treat newly diagnosed diabetes patients.
Instead of waiting to see how the disease progresses, aggressive treatment to lower blood sugar levels right away could prevent serious problems down the road. Medications, dietary changes, exercise, and regular monitoring could all be part of this early strategy.
This research makes it clear: time is of the essence when it comes to managing type 2 diabetes. Starting treatment early and keeping blood sugar levels within recommended limits can make a significant difference in long-term health.
For patients, this means fewer complications, a lower chance of heart attacks, and a longer, healthier life. For doctors, it means a stronger focus on early intervention and patient education right after diagnosis.
As more is learned about the long-term effects of early treatment, it is hoped that more people with type 2 diabetes will receive the care they need as soon as possible. This could greatly reduce the impact of the disease and improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about bananas and diabetes, and honey could help control blood sugar.
For more health information, please see recent studies about Vitamin D that may reduce dangerous complications in diabetes and results showing plant-based protein foods may help reverse type 2 diabetes.
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