Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Early and tight glycaemic control - the key to managing type 2 diabetes
Gary Deed1, John Barlow, Ivan Kuo
1g.deed@uqconnect.net
Background:
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is on the rise in Australia. A large number of patients with type 2 diabetes do not reach currently recommended glycaemic targets.
Objective:
This article looks at how clinical inertia contributes to suboptimal glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, describes the 'legacy' effect of early high HbA1c levels and highlights the importance of early, tight glycaemic control.
Discussion:
Early, tight glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes has been shown to result in better outcomes in terms of micro- and macrovascular disease and mortality even if control is relaxed later in the course of the disease. Clinical inertia is one of the contributing factors that prevent patients from reaching glycaemic targets. A proactive approach to treating type 2 diabetes is recommended: therapy should be individualised with early consideration of combination therapy and ongoing reinforcement of lifestyle modification messages. In newly diagnosed patients, the goal should be to achieve an HbA1c of.
Related Concept Videos
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis

