People with type 2 diabetes should aim at normal blood pressure and HbA_1c

While the increased risk of complications in type 2 diabetes has long been recognised, the effectiveness of improved control of blood glucose concentrations and blood pressure in reduction of this risk has been shown only recently. In this week's issue two further papers from UKPDS (UK prospective diabetes study) directly examine the degree to which blood glucose concentrations (p 405) and blood pressure (p 412) independently contribute to the risk of such complications. The papers also show the absence of any obvious thresholds, suggesting that to minimise risks the therapeutic goals should be haemoglobin A_1c and systolic blood pressure within the normal range, when achievable.

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