Effects of Glycemic Control on Diabetes Complications and on the Prevention of Diabetes

Abstract

IN BRIEF

Randomized, controlled clinical trials (RCTs), completed during the past several years or currently underway, are defining the scientific basis of contemporary diabetes care. In terms of glycemic control, landmark RCTs have demonstrated that meticulous glycemic control reduces risk of microvascular and neurological complications of diabetes. Studies in pre-diabetes have shown that early intervention slows progression to diabetes. Ongoing studies are examining the effects of glycemic interventions on macrovascular complications of diabetes, the impact of early treatment on the course of diabetes, and whether there are differences depending on the nature of the intervention used.