A recent study conducted by researchers from the Universities of Gothenburg and Oxford underscores the critical importance of early blood sugar control for individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
The study found that the years immediately following a type 2 diabetes diagnosis are particularly significant in terms of future risks of heart attacks and death.
The researchers analyzed data from the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) to investigate the role of blood sugar levels in the early years after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis on the long-term prognosis for myocardial infarction (heart attack) and mortality occurring 10 to 20 years later.
The study revealed that blood sugar levels during the initial phase of type 2 diabetes have a much more substantial impact on future outcomes than previously believed.
Targeting blood sugar levels in accordance with treatment guidelines (HbA1c 52 mmol/mol or lower) from the time of diagnosis was associated with a 20% lower risk of death occurring 10 to 15 years later.
In contrast, delaying the achievement of good blood sugar control until 10 years after diagnosis was linked to only a 3% lower risk of death.
These findings highlight the critical need for early blood sugar management in individuals with type 2 diabetes to optimize their long-term prognosis.
Detecting and diagnosing type 2 diabetes at the earliest opportunity is essential to prevent individuals from living with elevated blood sugar levels for extended periods.
The study also provides mechanistic insight into the “glycemic legacy effect,” where early implementation of good blood sugar control in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients has been shown to reduce the risks of diabetic complications and death for up to 30 years.
The recognition of this legacy effect has led to global treatment guidelines emphasizing the importance of achieving and maintaining good blood glucose control as soon as possible after diagnosis.
Overall, this research underscores the significance of early intervention and vigilant blood sugar control to improve the long-term health outcomes of individuals with type 2 diabetes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about new way to achieve type 2 diabetes remission, and one avocado a day keeps diabetes at bay.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about 5 dangerous signs you have diabetes-related eye disease, and results showing why pomegranate is super fruit for people with diabetes.
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