Elevated plasma glucose levels increase risk for complications

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that requires tremendous energy and care throughout the patient's lifespan. Clinically, it is easier to prevent glucose excursions than to treat them once they occur! There are data to suggest that control of blood glucose levels will prevent damaging glucotoxicity, preventing or delaying diabetes-related complications. New treatment goals of the American Diabetes Association are the following: Fasting plasma glucose levels of 80 to 120 mg/dL; Initial treatment of diet, self-care management, education, and exercise; Additional treatment recommended at FPG > 140 mg/dL; Goal HbA1c levels < 7%, with treatment changes recommended at > 8%; Therapy with either insulin secretagogues or insulin sensitizers if poor glycemic control persists after 2-3 months. The clear message to both patients and diabetes care providers is that aggressive and early therapeutic intervention in type 2 diabetes is the key to improving and maintaining continued glycemic control and preventing micro- and macrovascular complications.