A new study from researchers at the Universities of Gothenburg and Oxford shows just how important it is to control blood sugar levels soon after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
According to their findings, the first few years after diagnosis are especially important in deciding long-term health outcomes, including the risk of heart attacks and early death.
The scientists looked at information from the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), which followed people with type 2 diabetes over many years. They wanted to see how early blood sugar levels affected the chances of having a heart attack or dying 10 to 20 years later.
What they discovered was striking. People who managed to keep their blood sugar at healthy levels right after being diagnosed had a 20% lower risk of dying 10 to 15 years later. The target blood sugar level used in the study followed standard treatment guidelines—an HbA1c level of 52 mmol/mol or lower.
But for people who waited 10 years before getting their blood sugar under control, the benefit was much smaller—only a 3% lower risk of death. This shows that waiting too long to manage blood sugar can greatly reduce the benefits of treatment.
These findings highlight how important it is to detect type 2 diabetes early and to start treatment as soon as possible. Many people live with high blood sugar for years before they are diagnosed. This delay can have serious effects on their future health.
The study also helps explain what doctors call the “glycemic legacy effect.” This term refers to how controlling blood sugar early on can lead to lasting health benefits. In fact, good early blood sugar control has been shown to lower the risk of diabetes-related complications and death for up to 30 years.
Because of this, many global health organizations now recommend that people with type 2 diabetes aim for healthy blood sugar levels as soon as they are diagnosed. The sooner blood sugar is brought under control, the better the chances of avoiding long-term damage to the heart and other organs.
This research sends a clear message: early action matters. For people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, working with doctors to monitor and manage blood sugar right away can save lives and prevent serious health problems down the line.
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