A new study by researchers at Cambridge University has found that people with diabetes may lower their risk of heart attacks by 17 percent, by keeping their blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.
People with diabetes tend to run higher blood glucose levels than people without the condition, even if they are on medication. The researchers investigated if intensive control of glucose would reduce cardiovascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
The study, published in The Lancet, was undertaken by analysis of 33, 000 patients from five prospective randomised controlled trials.
Results show that intensive control of glucose in diabetes resulted in fewer cardiovascular events (such as myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease) compared to standard levels of glucose control.
This research suggests that lower HBA1c levels, as a result of more intensive therapy, may be beneficial for patients with diabetes at risk of cardiovascular complications.
Current guidance for HbA1c differs depending on the individual but the ideal target is said to be around 6.5 percent, 7.5 percent if an individual is at risk from hypos.
As well as the reduction in heart attacks, the study also indicated a 15 percent fall in heart disease risk when HbA1c levels were kept to around 6.6 percent.