Diabetics can reduce heart attack risk
Friday May 22nd, 2009
By Jane Collingwood
New findings, published today, reinforce the belief that people with diabetes reduce their risk of heart attack if they keep low blood sugar levels.
Experts writing in the Lancet carried out an analysis of five large trials on blood sugar level (glucose) control and heart attacks. More than 33,000 individuals took part.
The team, from Cambridge University, UK, found an overall 17 per cent reduction in heart attacks and a 15 per cent reduction in coronary heart disease with intensive glucose control.
These links were statistically significant, but the association was not so strong for strokes. There did not appear to be an increase in all-cause deaths with better blood sugar control, in contrast with earlier, smaller studies.
Lead author Dr Kausik Ray said: "Previous studies have been inconclusive, leaving diabetics and their doctors unsure as to whether maintaining lower blood sugar levels actually benefitted the patients.
"Although additional research needs to be conducted, our findings provide insight into the importance of improving glucose levels which should include lifestyle changes as well as medication."
The analysis was funded by the British Heart Foundation. Medical director Professor Peter Weissberg commented: "It is well established that carefully controlling blood sugar in people with diabetes can help prevent disease in small blood vessels that leads to kidney failure and blindness.
"This collective analysis of several large clinical trials suggests that careful blood sugar control also protects against heart attacks and strokes, the major causes of death in people with diabetes.
"The present findings reinforce the need for diabetic patients to achieve and maintain better control of blood sugars long-term, as a means to reduce risk of heart disease."
Ray, K. et al. Effect of intensive control of glucose on cardiovascular outcomes and death in patients with diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. The Lancet, published online May 23, 2009.
Tags: Diabetes | Heart Health | UK News
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