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Controlling Diabetes Reduces Heart Attack and StrokeWhat is the problem and what is known about it so far?Diabetes has many harmful effects on the body. Among the most serious is cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels), which often leads to heart attack and stroke. Why did the researchers do this particular study?The researchers wanted to see if intensive long-term management of diabetes lowered the chances of people getting heart and blood vessel disease. Who was studied?The study included 1,441 people with type 1 diabetes who participated in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), a large study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. How was the study done?First, participants had a physical exam, including having blood drawn for A1C (a measure of long-term blood glucose control) and tests that measured their general health. Half of the participants received their usual diabetes care, while the other half received intensive diabetes care. Intensive diabetes care consisted of three or more daily injections of insulin or treatment with an insulin pump, with doses based on at least four glucose self-monitoring measurements throughout the day. Participants were followed for an average of 17 years, during which time researchers kept track of illnesses and deaths related to heart and blood vessel disease. What did the researchers find?Intensive diabetes care reduced the chances of heart and blood vessel disease by 42% and the chance of heart attack, stroke, or heart and blood vessel disease-related death by 57%. What were the limitations of the study?The total number of heart and blood vessel disease-related events was low, which could make the results misleading. What are the implications of the study?Intensive diabetes care lowers the chances of getting heart and blood vessel disease in people with type 1 diabetes. FOR MORE INFORMATION |
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