A study has highlighted the importance of achieving objectives in glycemic control and weight reduction to prevent complications associated with type 2 diabetes (DM2).According to the results, achieving a combination of these two objectives could prevent up to 23% of all complications related to this disease.
Significant impact on health and economy
The analysis revealed that a 5% reduction of body weight and 1% in glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1C) levels could prevent approximately 95,000 annual complications.This not only improves the quality of life of patients, but also translates into an estimated savings of 1,050 million euros to the National Health System in Spain.
Among the outstanding benefits are:
- 31% less stroke.
- 19% less cases of retinopathy.
- 2% less heart failure.
An integral clinical challenge
Although these goals are clear, their achievement requires a multidisciplinary and individualized strategy.According to Dr. Fernando Gómez Peralta, coordinator of the Diabetes Area of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN), the key is to combine:
- Personalized therapeutic education.
- Modifying drugs of diabetes progression.
- Bariatric surgery in specific cases.
In addition, the role of pharmacists is crucial, not only ensuring the correct use of medicines, but also promoting adherence to treatments and educating the patient about their management.
The importance of primary care
Ester Amado, co -author of the study, recalls that primary care teams have an essential role to improve adherence to treatment, both pharmacological and in weight loss measures, as diet and exercise.The intervention from this area helps prevent cardiovascular and ophthalmological complications, which are the most common in patients with DM2.
Economic savings and redistribution of resources
The study also highlighted the positive economic impact of achieving these objectives:
- 24% reduction in complications related to DM2.
- Significant savings in diabetic neuropathy (820 million euros) and retinopathy (103 million euros).
This economic relief would allow to redistribute resources towards other critical areas of medical care, benefiting the entire health system.
Conclusion: Improve the quality of life and transform clinical practice
Achieving optimal weight and HBA1C control not only improves the quality of life of people with diabetes, but also ensures the sustainability of the health system.This study reinforces the importance of adopting combined strategies for education, personalized treatment and comprehensive approaches to transform DM2 management.
A small change can make a big difference.
What strategies have helped you improve your glycemic control or reduce weight?
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