[Six-year follow up on recently diagnosed NIDDM patients]

The six-year prospective data on 100 newly detected NIDDM patients aged 40-69 years were analysed. After careful and controlled dietetic training, the carbohydrate metabolism parameters (glycohaemoglobin, mean blood sugar level and glycosuria), the physical status, fundus picture and laboratory data (lipids and renal function) were examined yearly and the alterations of the treatment were registered. 24 patients dropped out during six years. 10 patients died. The carbohydrate status was also favourable and a moderate weight reduction was reached. After two years 59% of the patients proved well controlled. At the end of six years 41% of the patients were still well controlled merely by dietary means. The data were compared with those on 100 similarly detected new NIDDM patients whose education and control were provided by family physicians. There were non essential differences between the two groups in specific complications, BMI and lipids. The level of carbohydrate metabolism control was significantly better in the diabetic clinic-controlled patients; the proportion of sulfanylurea-treated patients was only 40.5% after six years compared with 73% among family physicians-controlled patients. The importance of a correct and controlled diet, good education and continuous control is emphasized.