Good Early Control Of Type 2 Diabetes Linked To Significantly Reduced Rate Of Complications

[DCUK NewsBot]

Achieving good early control of type 2 diabetes is associated with a 20% reduction in risk of complications over a 10-year period, according to a new study. The study shows how getting diabetes under control early can have very beneficial, lasting effects. More good news is that many people with type 2 diabetes are able to achieve very good control soon after diagnosis by following some simple lifestyle changes that are easy to incorporate into your life. The research team, from the University of Chicago and Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, set out to review the effects of early diabetes control on the risks of a range of diabetes complications (long-term health problems commonly associated with diabetes). The study involved 34,737 participants with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Monitoring of the participants occurred between 1997 and 2013. This allowed the researchers to review the health of the people over at least 10 years. The average review period for participants was 13 years. The diabetes complications which were monitored included advanced eye and kidney disease, amputations, stroke, heart disease and heart failure, and vascular disease (disease affecting blood vessels). In the study, good control of diabetes was defined as having HbA1c levels of under 48 mmol/mol (under 6.5%). Good early control of type 2 diabetes was associated with a 20% reduction in the risk of complications compared to the people who had HbA1c levels of 48 mmol/mol to 53 mmol/mol (6.5 to 7.0%) within their first year of diagnosis. Additionally, good control of diabetes was associated with a 30% reduction in risk of mortality (earlier death) compared to people with HbA1c levels of 53 to 64 mmol/mol (7.0 to 8.0%) within the first year of diagnosis. The results indicate that getting good control of diabetes early on can make a significant lasting difference in improving health and minimising the risk of complications. We live in positive times as we now know that many people with type 2 diabetes can improve their sugar levels within a short period of time. Many people have been able to get their sugar levels into a healthy range within a few weeks by making simple changes to their diet. We know this because members who complete our award-winning Low Carb Program have seen an average reduction in HbA1c levels of 13 mmol/mol (1.2%), which is a terrific improvement in health and sugar levels. Additionally, 40% of people are able to discontinue using at least one of their diabetes medications, which means less medication side effects. A common side effect of some diabetes medications is weight gain. As the Low Carb program helps a lot of people to reduce their dependency on medication, it is not surprising that the program has also helped people to lose a significant amount of weight within the first year of completing the program. Indeed, average weight loss at the one-year mark is an impressive 7 kg. That's over a stone in lost body weight. To find out more, register for the Low Carb Program today. The study is published online by the Diabetes Care journal.

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[Guzzler]

Good early control can sometimes depend on good early diagnosis. Catch people earlier and give them a fighting chance then educate them.

 

[Phoenix55]

Giving people information and empowering them to help themselves, and expecting them to do change their ways, makes a huge difference in the long run. The down side is that it takes time and the correct information, we all know that T2 diabetes is a very individual thing. The expectation and the support to monitor and encourage changes means involvement and why bother when it is seen as being a problem of older people. Now that younger people are being affected in increasing numbers,we may find that battle is engaged. Some will want an easy way - take this pill(s) and carry on, others will realise the importance of changing and take an active role in make the necessary changes, not every day but most days we all need a day off. The character of individuals comes through, are we as tough as our forebears?

 

[Guzzler]

I'm not sure I agree. Dr. David Unwin speaks of giving those newly diagnosed people hope first and then knowledge. Character has little to do with it if knowledge is not offered or if that knowledge or advice is flawed. Being as tough as our ancestors is not an argument I'm feeling either, education is key.

 

[Moggely]

So if one has been a walking diabetic without knowing it for say 2 years. What are their chances?. Maybe when they are finally diagnosed with it and then take control and manage it, one would hope for less complications as those that were diagnosed early.

 

[zand]

I had insulin resistance for very many years before becoming T2 and high insulin levels are worse than high BGs. I am cross that no one listened when I said I couldn't lose weight, even when I explained that I could stick to diets but my body just wouldn't lose weight. My BGs have never been that high really but I am concerned about the possible damage of too much insulin for decades. However I can only do what I can do with the knowledge I have at the time, so there's no point worrying about it.