People with insulin-dependent diabetes who maintain tight control of their blood sugar levels through intensive therapy greatly increase their chances of living longer and with fewer complications, according to the results of a recent study. Using a computer program to estimate health and cost benefits of tight control of diabetes, the scientists predicted intensive therapy, that is, taking three to four insulin injections daily and monitoring blood sugar several times a day, could lengthen life by 5 years. The patients should also be able to add 8 more years of sight, live 6 extra years free of kidney disease, and survive 6 years longer without nerve damage or amputation. The main drawback to intensive treatment is that it increases the risk of severe low blood sugar, which can cause a seizure or coma. Standard treatment of diabetes usually involves one or two insulin shots a day, and fewer than 2 daily tests of blood sugar levels.
The researchers also found that intensive diabetes treatment would be cost-effective for the patient and society.
The research was conducted by scientists with the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, a project sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a component of the National Institutes of Health.
For more information on diabetes, contact NIDDK at 301-496-3583.--an NIH HEALTHWise report, November/December 1996
First Six Weeks After Giving Birth Carries Stroke Risk Women do not have an increased risk for stroke while pregnant, although they do have a small but increased risk during the initial six weeks following delivery, according to a new study. The researchers, funded in part by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke--a component of the National Institutes of Health--found that during the first six weeks following delivery, a miscarriage, or an abortion, women were nearly 2 1/2 times more likely to suffer a stroke than non-pregnant women of the same age. The scientists cannot yet fully explain why stroke risk rises right after pregnancy, but think it may be related to the large decrease in blood volume or rapid change in hormonal status following delivery. For more information on strokes, contact NINDS at 301-496-5751.--an NIH HEALTHWise report, November/December 1996 For more information, reporters can contact: Jan Ehrman Public Affairs Specialist Phone: 301-496-5895 Fax: 301-496-0019 email: je48b@nih.gov
Women do not have an increased risk for stroke while pregnant, although they do have a small but increased risk during the initial six weeks following delivery, according to a new study. The researchers, funded in part by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke--a component of the National Institutes of Health--found that during the first six weeks following delivery, a miscarriage, or an abortion, women were nearly 2 1/2 times more likely to suffer a stroke than non-pregnant women of the same age.
The scientists cannot yet fully explain why stroke risk rises right after pregnancy, but think it may be related to the large decrease in blood volume or rapid change in hormonal status following delivery.
For more information on strokes, contact NINDS at 301-496-5751.--an NIH HEALTHWise report, November/December 1996
For more information, reporters can contact:
Jan Ehrman Public Affairs Specialist Phone: 301-496-5895 Fax: 301-496-0019 email: je48b@nih.gov
