Treatment plan reduces complications

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A landmark study shows that people with Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes can retard complications in the eyes, kidneys, and nervous system by injecting insulin and monitoring blood sugar more frequently.

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial followed 1,441 patients, including Aboriginal participants, with Type 1 diabetes, for an average of six years. One group followed the most common regimen for people with Type 1 (checking blood sugar and taking injections twice a day), while the other group tested their blood sugar four or more times per day, injected insulin three of more times a day and followed a special diet.

The new regimen showed reductions of approximately 70 per cent in eye disease that can lead to blindness, 50 per cent in significant kidney damage and 50 per cent in nerve damage. Complications only occurred if the new regimen was used incorrectly.

Study results also indicate that the new treatment will benefit those with Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 use of the regimen will be tested in the coming year by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.