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Even small improvements in glucose pay off for diabetics

Updated: 2009-05-20 22:23:57 CST Category: Diabetes

The long-term risk of complications from diabetes can be mitigated by even small improvements in glucose control, according to a study presented at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, reports HealthDay.

"Our results show that the risk of complications 10 to 15 years after the start of treatment probably decreases significantly following even small improvements in blood glucose control," said physician Marcus Lind, who authored the study.

Those complications can include damage to the eye, nerve and kidney and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

The American Diabetes Association says there are 23.6 million people in the U.S., or 8 percent of the population, who have diabetes. That number has gone up 13.5 percent from 2005-2007.

Since even small improvements in control seem to have long term benefits, getting tested for diabetes is wise if you have any reason to suspect you have the disease. Americans have become more aware of the threat of diabetes, but 24 percent of diabetes is undiagnosed. That number is an improvement on the past, however, down 30 percent in 2005 and from 50 percent 10 years ago.

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