Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The prevention of complications

The microvascular complications of retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy are less prevalent, and not as severe, in NIDDM as compared with IDDM for unknown reasons. Macrovascular disease is the greatest challenge in the management of NIDDM because it is the cause of death in 50% to 60% of this patient population. Control of the hyperglycemia is the most important because the prevention of complications is more effective than the treatment of them. Blood glucose control through diet, exercise, and medication is the key to reducing the previously identified complications. Lifestyle modifications of diet and exercise are the most effective treatment to reduce hyperglycemia. It is important to emphasize during the asymptomatic period the serious consequences of the complications and to set goals using the glycosylated hemoglobin. If these goals are not met, treatment should be intensified by more frequent visits or referral for the team approach. The time for intervention is before the complications are present, not after they occur. It is certainly reasonable to reduce as many risk factors as possible that adversely affect the complications of NIDDM. Hypertension can affect the course of coronary artery disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy and should be treated. The avoidance of tobacco is a must for the prevention of vascular disease and is associated with painful neuropathy. Dyslipidemia is seen frequently in NIDDM and should be assessed by fasting lipid panel and treated to lower the LDL cholesterol below 130 mg/dL. Reduction of individual risk factors is the most effective approach to this complex clinical syndrome until such time as a better understanding of the pathophysiology provides a more specific and effective intervention.