Implications of the United Kingdom prospective diabetes study

The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) is the largest ever s tudy to clarify the role of glycemia and blood pressure control in improvin g morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study exami ned the impact of glycemia and blood pressure control on microvascular and macrovascular risk, and if any particular therapy was advantageous for thes e patients. This articles discusses the background, methodology and results of the UKPDS and develops recommendations for treatment and management of patients with type 2 diabetes in the clinical setting.