Tight Glucose Control in Diabetes Lowers Risk of Atherosclerosis

Strict glucose control in type 1 diabetes reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a benefit that persists for years, according to a study published in the June 5, 2003 issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine". Since 1993, when the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) ended, researchers have known that intensive glucose control greatly reduces the eye, nerve, and kidney damage of type 1 diabetes. Now, researchers conclude, the benefits of tight control also extend to the heart. "Intensive control is difficult to achieve and maintain, but its benefits are even greater than we realized," says study chair Dr. Saul Genuth of the Case Western University. "The earlier intensive therapy begins and the longer it can be maintained, the better the chances of reducing the debilitating complications of diabetes."

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