The Legacy Effect in Type 2 Diabetes: Impact of Early Glycemic Control on Future Complications (The Diabetes & Aging Study)
Topic: Type 2 Diabetes, Newly Diagnosed, Early Initiation
Key question: Does the glycemic legacy effect begin as early as the 1st year in real-world populations?
Research Spotlight: “The Legacy Effect in Type 2 Diabetes: Impact of Early Glycemic Control on Future Complications (The Diabetes & Aging Study)” Laiteerapong N, et al. Diabetes Care. 2019 Mar;42(3):416-426.
Background: In patients newly diagnosed with T2D, the UKPDS study found that early glycemic control lowers the risk of diabetes-related end points and has durable effects.
Main outcomes of the study:
- A1C ≥ 6.5% in the 1st year after diagnosis was associated with 20% higher risk for micro- and macrovascular events.
- There was 29% higher risk of mortality associated with A1C levels 7.0% to <8.0% compared to A1C <6.5%.
- This study in people with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes (n=34,737) suggests that the legacy effect exists in real-world populations, begins as early as the 1st year after diagnosis, and depends on the level of glycemic exposure.
Key takeaways for healthcare providers:
- Research has shown that achieving good glycemic control early in the course of diabetes can lead to sustained reductions in the risk of complications.
- Early use of glucose sensors can assess the response to treatment and promote the intensification of therapy as needed.
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