Evidence has been mounting that the sooner and more aggressively diabetes is treated, the lower a patient's risk for serious long-term complications are. An interesting report presented during the American Diabetes Association's annual meeting reinforced this concept.
Researchers found that type 1 diabetics who keep their blood sugar levels near normal with early, intensive treatment can cut their risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke by at least half.
The current study, which involves nearly 1,400 type 1 diabetic patients, is a follow-up to the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), which began in 1983. Participants were given standard care or more intensive treatment, which meant more frequent daily blood testing and insulin injections. When the study's results were released in 1993, they indicated patients who kept tight control of blood sugar (glucose) levels for about six and a half years demonstrated a much lower risk for eye, kidney or nerve damage later on, even if blood sugar levels rose.
New Diabetic Discovery
And the most recent data shows:
Even more than a decade after the initial study period, type 1 diabetics who kept close control of blood sugar levels early on are less likely to have suffered from heart disease.
Quick diagnosis and treatment to reduce the duration of high blood sugar levels can lower the risk of complications (i.e. the earlier treatment is started, the better).
Researchers say the benefits of early and tight control of blood sugar levels could also apply to patients with type 2 diabetes. Further studies are underway.
USA Today June 13, 2005
Much of what is written on this site regarding diabetes involves type 2 diabetes (previously known as adult-onset diabetes). While type 1 diabetes is far less prevalent, affecting only about 10 percent or less of diabetics, it is still an important cause of illness, reduced quality of life, and even early death in both children and adults around the world.
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is still largely unknown, although many theories certainly exist. Some potential and relatively well-documented contributing factors to the development of type 1 diabetes include:
Consuming pasteurized cow's milk.
Pregnant mothers eating too many potatoes.
Essential fatty acid and vitamin D deficiencies.
Having a higher-than-average weight during your first year of life.
Early introduction of cereal into your diet.
Some vaccinations, through their immune suppression activities.
While the causes of type 1 diabetes may be very different from those of type 2 diabetes, the treatment plans for both conditions have much in common.
The main goal in either is to normalize blood sugar levels as quickly as possible, and then to maintain those levels for the rest of your life.
Unfortunately, either many diabetics fail to appreciate this fact or they fail to implement it--and they do not put enough emphasis on maintaining optimal blood sugar levels. This may be partially related to the fact that diabetes, like high blood pressure, typically does not have many symptoms until it is too late and the damage has already been done.
However, it's important for anyone--not just diabetics--who wants to prevent the ravages of heart attacks, strokes, cancer, and many other chronic degenerative diseases to take control of their insulin, leptin and blood sugar levels. Start learning how to do this by reading Dr. Ron Rosedale's excellent articles Insulin and its Metabolic Effects and Leptin: How Diabetes and Obesity are Linked. Then take action by following this simple four-step plan for maintaining optimal health, regardless of your condition:
Eat a healthy diet that keeps insulin, blood sugar and leptin levels low, naturally.
Start getting, or continue participating in, regular exercise.
Make sure you're getting enough sleep.
Have an effective tool for your emotions.
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