Implications of the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) results on patient management.

The goal of treatment of type 2 diabetes is to treat early and balance the risk/benefit ratio of aggressive therapeutic intervention for the patient. The results of the UKPDS trial have shown that treatment to improve overall glucose control significantly reduces the risk of microvascular complications and thereby improves the quality of life for persons with diabetes. Optimal medical management includes a team approach and uses continuous communication and education, medical treatment, lifestyle modifications, and behavior changes to improve glycemic control.