BLOOD-GLUCOSE CONTROL AND MICROVASCULAR AND MACROVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS IN DIABETES

High blood glucose levels for several years is the major factor in the development and progression of microvascular complications in IDDM. R educing mean blood glucose reduces the risk of progression of diabetic microvascular complications substantially A curve-linear relationship exists between HbA(1c) levels and progression of diabetic retinopathy . Recent evidence also points to a close relationship between high blo od glucose levels and progression of microvascular complications in NI DDM. The relationship between mean blood glucose and cardiovascular di sease in diabetes has been unclear, Recent population-based studies gi ve evidence for a linear association of glycemic control with the risk for cardiovascular disease in patients with NIDDM. However, randomize d studies comparing different degrees of glycemic control in NIDDM: an d their impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are urgently needed.