Applied Evidence

Strategies to reduce complications of type 2 diabetes

Author and Disclosure Information

 

References

Screening for retinopathy

Several trials have evaluated interventions in the diagnosis and prevention of visual loss. As discussed previously, intensive glucose control with sulfonylureas or insulin reduced the need for retinal photocoagulation by 39% in the UKPDS (NNT=320 patient-years).14 Similarly in this trial, tight blood pressure control reduced the progression of retinopathy, compared with usual care. 10

Specific treatments for retinopathy include photocoagulation, which has been demonstrated to significantly reduce severe visual loss by 58% (NNT=30 patient-years).40 One cohort study suggests that screening for retinopathy coupled with appropriate treatment may reduce the onset of visual loss.41 The ADA recommends annual screening for retinopathy with a dilated eye exam based on indirect evidence of its benefit (SOR: B).7

Drug brand names
  • Acarbose
  • Amlodipine
  • Atenolol
  • Captopril
  • Enalapril
  • Fosinopril
  • Irbesartan
  • Losartan
  • Lovastatin
  • Metformin
  • Nisoldipine
  • Orlistat
  • Pravastatin
  • Ramipril
  • Simvastatin
  • Prandase, Precose
  • Norvasc
  • Tenoretic; Tenormin
  • Capoten
  • Vasotec
  • Monopril
  • Avapro
  • Cozaar
  • Mevacor
  • Glucophage
  • Sular
  • Xenical
  • Pravachol
  • Altace
  • Zocor

Correspondence
Paul Ullom-Minnich, MD, Partners in Family Care, PO Box 640, Moundridge, KS 67107. E-mail: paulum66@hotmail.com.

Pages

Recommended Reading

Do ACE inhibitors prevent nephropathy in type 2 diabetes without proteinuria?
Type 2 Diabetes ICYMI
Are ARBs or ACE inhibitors preferred for nephropathy in diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes ICYMI
Balancing Glucose Control and Mental Health
Type 2 Diabetes ICYMI
Acarbose for the prevention of diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes ICYMI
In reply: Acarbose for the prevention of diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes ICYMI
The internist's role in managing diabetic retinopathy: Screening for early detection
Type 2 Diabetes ICYMI
Hypoglycemia
Type 2 Diabetes ICYMI
Hypoglycemia in diabetes: Common, often unrecognized
Type 2 Diabetes ICYMI
Treatment of high LDL saves lives of those with diabetes or cardiovascular disease
Type 2 Diabetes ICYMI
Type 2 diabetes: The role of basal insulin therapy
Type 2 Diabetes ICYMI