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Sector Buzz
The Largest Ever Study Of Diabetes Shows Intensive Glucose Control Reduces Serious Complications
New results from the world's largest ever study of diabetes treatments show
that intensive blood glucose (sugar) control using modified release gliclazide
and other drugs as required, protects patients against serious complications
of the disease. In particular, intensive treatment reduces the risk of kidney
disease by one-fifth. Presented at the American Diabetes Association and published
in the New England Journal of Medicine, the results of Action in Diabetes and
Vascular Disease) (ADVANCE) show that this intensive treatment strategy has
the potential to benefit millions of diabetic patients worldwide. Chief Investigator
of the study, Professor Stephen MacMahon, Principal Director of The George Institute,
Australia said, "We are facing a global epidemic of diabetes. The ADVANCE
results go beyond existing evidence as we have now shown that reducing the haemogloboin
A1c level (a marker of blood glucose control) to 6.5 per cent is a safe and
effective way to reduce serious complications, particularly the risk of kidney
disease, one of the most serious and disabling consequences of diabetes, leading
to death in one in five people with diabetes."
“Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) was uncommon in the ADVANCE study, although
as expected it was more frequent among those receiving intensive treatment,"
pointed out Study Director, Associate Professor Anushka Patel from The George
Institute. "These findings reinforce that blood glucose lowering in diabetes
is safe and has an important role to play in the prevention of serious complications."
ADVANCE was initiated and designed by physicians at Australia's George Institute
for International Health and involved a group of independent medical researchers
from 20 countries worldwide. The study involved 11,140 patients with type II
diabetes who were treated and followed up for five years. The study aimed to
reduce levels of haemogloboin A1c to 6.5 per cent or below. Intensive treatment
included the sulfonylurea, modified-release gliclazide, for all patients and
other drugs as required to achieve the haemoglobin target.
EH News Bureau
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