Diabetes control and complications.

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) demonstrated that intensive treatment of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) can substantially reduce the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. The major risk associated with intensive treatment is recurrent hypoglycemia. Implementation of intensive treatment recommendations is difficult but should be considered and probably recommended to most patients with IDDM. If intensive treatment is impractical, any improvement in glycemic control is probably beneficial. Improved glycemic control should be recommended to most patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The use of insulin in patients with NIDDM is controversial, especially in patients who are overweight, overeating, and minimally symptomatic.