Is Glycemic Control the Primary Goal in Diabetes Treatment?

Abstract

The prevalence of Diabetes is steadily increasing, raising public health concerns. Hyperglycemia leads to microvascular and macrovascular diseases through several metabolic and biochemical pathways. Previous clinical trials and observational studies have demonstrated that tight glycemic control can reduce the incidence of diabetic complications, with the greatest benefit shown in younger patients with diabetes of shorter duration and those who have no prior history of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, previous studies highlight the concept of metabolic memory and legacy effect, since controlling diabetes early can have an impact on long-term prognosis of the disease. As to whether it is time to consider shifting the treatment focus for patients with type 2 diabetes from a glucose-centric to a weight-centric or a cardio-centric approach, the dilemma remains theoretical; glucose control, weight loss and effective treatment of metabolic and cardio-vascular co-morbidities are interrelated components of an integrated plan of care that should be addressed simultaneously and effectively.