Better blood glucose control has been the focus of a
lot of attention since the release of the results of the landmark Diabetes
Control and Complications Trials (DCCT) in 1993. The DCCT was the largest
long-term research study on the effects of glucose control ever conducted. There
were two groups of subjects in the study. One group managed their diabetes using
"conventional" methods (1 - 2 injections per day and 1 - 2 daily blood glucose
tests), while the other half used "intensive" methods, with frequent blood
glucose monitoring and daily adjustments of food and insulin to keep blood
glucose as near normal as possible. Nearly half in the intensively treated group
used insulin pumps to help them achieve that level of control.1 The chart shows
the differences in control that the different approaches produced.
Control Averages
|
|
Average
Blood Glucose |
Average
HbA1c |
|
DCCT
Intensive Treatment Group |
8.6
mmol/L |
7.1% |
|
DCCT
Standard Treatment Group |
12.8
mmol/L |
8.9% |
The DCCT showed clearly that those who achieved a better blood sugar control
with an average 2% lower glycohemoglobin value had a tremendous decrease in
their risk for the long-term complications of diabetes. Risk of diabetic eye
disease was decreased by 76% and reductions in risk for kidney and nerve damage
were nearly as great. Obviously, diabetes control matters... a LOT. In fact,
these results were so significant that the DCCT investigators felt compelled to
end the study one year early so the conventionally treated patients could have
the opportunity to realize the benefits of intensive diabetes management.
Near Normal Blood Glucose Control Reduces Risk
|
Retinal
Eye Disease by |
76% |
|
Nerve
Disease by |
60% |
|
Kidney
Disease by |
56% |
An insulin pump is a great way to achieve the degree of control we now know is your best defence against long-term health problems.
REFERENCE:
1. Deiss D, et al. Diabetes Care. 2006; 29: YY-ZZ