A study reported at the ADA meeting found that even a short-term improvement in blood glucose levels led to major improvements in quality of life for people with type 2 diabetes. While many recent studies have focused on the long-term effects of glucose control in preventing complications, this one looked at the immediate benefits in nearly 700 patients around the world.

When the average HbA1c was reduced from 8.1% to 7.3%-7.6% in six months, patients reported significant improvements in their daily lives; they felt better, were less anxious, less depressed, and less worried about their health. These reductions were directly correlated with the degree of control they attained.

The most highly correlated improvements were:

• Incidence of symptoms
• General perceived health
• Vitality
• Emotional ties
• Psychological well being
• Overall quality of life
• Symptoms interfering with daily life
• Symptoms causing distress

Hospital or clinic visits and doctor calls were also lower in those whose control improved.