Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
06:55
Protocol to Create Chronic Wounds in Diabetic Mice
Published on: September 25, 2019
The burden of chronic hyperglycemia
1Regenstrief Institute for Health Care, Regenstrief Health Center, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis 46202-2859, USA. clark_c@regenstrief.iupai.edu
Diabetes Care
|December 16, 1998
Summary
Reducing hyperglycemia through HbA1c control is key to preventing diabetic complications. Focusing on cost-effective interventions for all populations, especially underserved groups, is crucial for managing diabetes burden.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Diabetic complications represent a significant clinical and economic challenge.
- Sustained reduction in hyperglycemia, measured by HbA1c, is linked to decreased incidence of microvascular and neurological complications.
- Evidence suggests lowering HbA1c also reduces the risk of macrovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cost-effective strategies for reducing diabetic complications.
- To identify optimal targets for HbA1c reduction in diabetes management.
- To emphasize the importance of addressing multiple risk factors beyond hyperglycemia.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing evidence on hyperglycemia control and complication rates.
- Economic evaluation of different intervention strategies.
- Review of risk factor management in diabetes care.
Main Results:
- Targeted interventions for aged and ethnic subpopulations receiving suboptimal care are cost-effective.
- A modest reduction of 1-2 percentage points in average HbA1c is a more practical goal than an elusive negligible-risk threshold.
- Addressing obesity, hypertension, smoking, and hypercholesterolemia is essential.
Conclusions:
- Lowering HbA1c through sustained glycemic control is vital for preventing diabetic complications.
- Prioritizing cost-effective interventions and addressing care gaps in specific populations improves diabetes outcomes.
- Comprehensive management of all risk factors is necessary to reduce the overall burden of diabetes.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
01:26Diabetes Mellitus: Introduction
Diabetes mellitus consists of chronic metabolic disorders characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. This elevated blood glucose results from defects in insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or both. Insulin, produced by pancreatic β-cells, is essential for maintaining glucose homeostasis by facilitating cellular glucose uptake for energy or storage. Disruptions in insulin production or function lead to glucose accumulation in the bloodstream, causing the clinical features and long-term...
01:19Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
01:22Complications of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency, resistance, or both. Prolonged hyperglycemia disrupts metabolic homeostasis and leads to acute and chronic complications.Acute ComplicationsAcute complications result from sudden metabolic imbalance.Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) mainly appears in type 1 diabetes but may also develop in type 2 diabetes, particularly under extreme stress. It arises from severe insulin deficiency,...
01:29Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is an abnormally high blood glucose level. It is diagnosed by fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (or OGTT) ≥200 mg/dL, random glucose ≥200 mg/dL with symptoms, or HbA1c ≥6.5%. However, HbA1c results may be unreliable in certain conditions, such as anemia or hemoglobinopathies, and the diagnosis should be confirmed unless classic symptoms are present. Postprandial hyperglycemia is typically considered significant when glucose levels exceed 180 mg/dL two...