Treatment recommendations for patients with type 2 diabetes may not be clear-cut
Since type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels, it may seem obvious that the goal of diabetes treatments would be to reduce these levels to those found in healthy individuals.
However, tight blood glucose control, or taking measures to lower blood sugar levels to a normal range, may not be an effective method of care for patients with type 2 diabetes.
A recent report published by the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care found that when compared to standard diabetes management techniques, the risks associated with tight blood sugar control may outweigh the benefits.
The researchers conducted a review of previous studies that compared tight blood sugar control to standard care methods like a diabetic diet and exercise regimen. They accounted for the number of participants who experienced death, late complications of diabetes, including heart attacks, strokes, damage to the kidneys or eyes, as well as a decrease in their quality of life.
The study's results showed that tight blood sugar control was only positively associated with a reduced risk of non-fatal heart attacks. However, the findings also indicated that individuals who tried to maintain near-normal blood glucose levels had higher odds of experiencing severe hypoglycemic episodes.
Therefore, the scientists concluded that there is not sufficient evidence to support tight blood sugar control as an optimal treatment method for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
"It is quite astonishing: individual interventions, particularly drugs, have in part been well investigated in studies; however, we know relatively little about the advantages and disadvantages of treatment strategies," said IQWiG director Jürgen Windeler.
The National Institutes of Health notes that people with type 2 diabetes who shed as little as 5 percent of their body weight may be able to reduce their blood glucose levels and improve insulin resistance.
Following a diabetic diet may help these individuals lose weight. This type of eating regimen involves avoiding foods that contain high amounts of sugar and saturated fats, and promotes the consumptions of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.
Many physicians recommend that their patients who have type 2 diabetes consult a dietitian who can help them develop a diabetic diet that fits their lifestyle and works in conjunction with their diabetes management plan.
However, tight blood glucose control, or taking measures to lower blood sugar levels to a normal range, may not be an effective method of care for patients with type 2 diabetes.
A recent report published by the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care found that when compared to standard diabetes management techniques, the risks associated with tight blood sugar control may outweigh the benefits.
The researchers conducted a review of previous studies that compared tight blood sugar control to standard care methods like a diabetic diet and exercise regimen. They accounted for the number of participants who experienced death, late complications of diabetes, including heart attacks, strokes, damage to the kidneys or eyes, as well as a decrease in their quality of life.
The study's results showed that tight blood sugar control was only positively associated with a reduced risk of non-fatal heart attacks. However, the findings also indicated that individuals who tried to maintain near-normal blood glucose levels had higher odds of experiencing severe hypoglycemic episodes.
Therefore, the scientists concluded that there is not sufficient evidence to support tight blood sugar control as an optimal treatment method for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
"It is quite astonishing: individual interventions, particularly drugs, have in part been well investigated in studies; however, we know relatively little about the advantages and disadvantages of treatment strategies," said IQWiG director Jürgen Windeler.
The National Institutes of Health notes that people with type 2 diabetes who shed as little as 5 percent of their body weight may be able to reduce their blood glucose levels and improve insulin resistance.
Following a diabetic diet may help these individuals lose weight. This type of eating regimen involves avoiding foods that contain high amounts of sugar and saturated fats, and promotes the consumptions of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.
Many physicians recommend that their patients who have type 2 diabetes consult a dietitian who can help them develop a diabetic diet that fits their lifestyle and works in conjunction with their diabetes management plan.
First published on: July 18, 2011
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