A new study from researchers at the Universities of Gothenburg and Oxford has revealed that managing blood sugar levels immediately after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis can make a major difference in long-term health.
The findings highlight the importance of early action, showing that blood sugar control during the first few years after diagnosis strongly influences the risk of heart attacks and death many years later.
The researchers analyzed data from the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), one of the largest and most influential studies on type 2 diabetes. They looked closely at how early blood sugar levels affected long-term outcomes, specifically the risk of heart attack and overall mortality 10 to 20 years after diagnosis.
Their analysis showed that people who managed to keep their blood sugar levels within recommended targets (specifically, HbA1c at or below 52 mmol/mol) from the start of their diagnosis had a 20% lower risk of death 10 to 15 years later.
In contrast, those who only achieved good blood sugar control 10 years after diagnosis saw just a 3% reduction in risk. This dramatic difference emphasizes how vital it is to begin effective blood sugar management right from the beginning.
This research adds further support to what doctors call the “glycemic legacy effect” — the idea that good blood sugar control early in the course of diabetes can have lasting protective effects, even decades later.
Early control not only helps reduce the chances of diabetic complications, such as nerve damage and kidney disease, but it also plays a significant role in preventing deadly heart-related events.
The study’s authors stress that catching type 2 diabetes early is crucial. Many people live with high blood sugar levels for years without knowing it. The longer the delay before treatment begins, the more damage can occur to the body — damage that may not be easily reversed even after treatment starts.
Global diabetes treatment guidelines already recommend that newly diagnosed patients aim for tight blood sugar control as soon as possible. This study reinforces that message with strong evidence. Early intervention can save lives, reduce hospital visits, and improve quality of life in the long term.
In summary, this study sends a clear message: when it comes to type 2 diabetes, time matters. Acting early — through diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and medication if needed — can help people with diabetes live longer, healthier lives.
For healthcare providers, patients, and public health systems, this highlights the urgent need to focus on early detection and immediate action in diabetes care.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about high vitamin D level linked to lower dementia risk in diabetes, and green tea could help reduce death risk in diabetes.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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