Individuals with type 2 diabetes should discuss treatment options with their doctor
There are many different approaches a person with type 2 diabetes can potentially take to treat their condition. Controlling blood sugar levels is perhaps the most important part of this, but how aggressive should a person be in trying to bring their blood glucose down to normal levels?
Some treatment strategies used today try to bring blood sugar levels down to as close to normal levels as possible. The reasoning behind these therapies is that high glucose levels are the main cause of complications associated with diabetes - heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage - so bringing blood sugar down to normal levels should head off these risks.
However, intensive glucose-lowering treatments are increasingly being discredited as ineffective and potentially even dangerous. Such scientific findings could give diabetics a little more to think about when they are deciding what approach to take in treating their condition.
The most recent evidence regarding intensive glucose-lowering therapies came from a team of researchers at the Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark. The group analyzed the results of 20 previously published clinical investigations into the efficacy of various diabetes treatments. These studies assessed therapies in nearly 30,000 diabetics.
The researchers reported in the Cochrane Library that intensive therapies offered little advantage over more conservative approaches. The risk of death and cardiovascular disease was nearly identical in patients who pursued aggressive or conservative treatment strategies. The team said their findings have important implications for treating the metabolic condition.
"With the numbers of people in the world with type 2 diabetes increasing, it is important that we work out the best way of helping them to manage their blood glucose levels," said Bianca Hemmingsen, who led the investigation.
Given the fact that there are so many different treatments available to individuals with type 2 diabetes, it is important to assess the efficacy of various approaches. The Mayo Clinic recommends that patients talk with their doctor about what would work best for them.
For some people, blood sugar-lowering medications may not even be necessary. Those who were recently diagnosed may be able to control their condition simply through diet and exercise. When the disease is still in its early stage - a condition known as prediabetes - physical activity and a proper diet may even prevent the metabolic disorder from progressing.
However, for those who have full-blown type 2 diabetes, some amount of medication may be necessary. Simple insulin injections are often appropriate and there are a number of pharmaceuticals that can help keep blood sugar levels in check.
The availability of all these options is why it is important for individuals with type 2 diabetes to talk to their doctors about the best course of treatment. A medical professional may be able to steer a patient away from unnecessary and potential harmful strategies like intensive blood sugar control and toward more appropriate approaches.
Some treatment strategies used today try to bring blood sugar levels down to as close to normal levels as possible. The reasoning behind these therapies is that high glucose levels are the main cause of complications associated with diabetes - heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage - so bringing blood sugar down to normal levels should head off these risks.
However, intensive glucose-lowering treatments are increasingly being discredited as ineffective and potentially even dangerous. Such scientific findings could give diabetics a little more to think about when they are deciding what approach to take in treating their condition.
The most recent evidence regarding intensive glucose-lowering therapies came from a team of researchers at the Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark. The group analyzed the results of 20 previously published clinical investigations into the efficacy of various diabetes treatments. These studies assessed therapies in nearly 30,000 diabetics.
The researchers reported in the Cochrane Library that intensive therapies offered little advantage over more conservative approaches. The risk of death and cardiovascular disease was nearly identical in patients who pursued aggressive or conservative treatment strategies. The team said their findings have important implications for treating the metabolic condition.
"With the numbers of people in the world with type 2 diabetes increasing, it is important that we work out the best way of helping them to manage their blood glucose levels," said Bianca Hemmingsen, who led the investigation.
Given the fact that there are so many different treatments available to individuals with type 2 diabetes, it is important to assess the efficacy of various approaches. The Mayo Clinic recommends that patients talk with their doctor about what would work best for them.
For some people, blood sugar-lowering medications may not even be necessary. Those who were recently diagnosed may be able to control their condition simply through diet and exercise. When the disease is still in its early stage - a condition known as prediabetes - physical activity and a proper diet may even prevent the metabolic disorder from progressing.
However, for those who have full-blown type 2 diabetes, some amount of medication may be necessary. Simple insulin injections are often appropriate and there are a number of pharmaceuticals that can help keep blood sugar levels in check.
The availability of all these options is why it is important for individuals with type 2 diabetes to talk to their doctors about the best course of treatment. A medical professional may be able to steer a patient away from unnecessary and potential harmful strategies like intensive blood sugar control and toward more appropriate approaches.
First published on: August 5, 2011
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