Monitoring and lowering both HbA_1c and LDL-C measures in newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients is associated with a lower risk of microvascular complications, vs. monitoring and lowering LDL-C alone, according to a study of nearly 17,000 individuals.

The recently-diagnosed patients were selected from the South Central VA Health Network. More than half were taking an oral antidiabetic, more than two-thirds were taking an antihypertensive, and nearly 70% were on lipid-lowering medications.

Within 7 to 12 months, more than 7,400 patients achieved dual goal status, whereas nearly 9,400 did not. Achieving both goals led to an additional reduction of microvascular complication rates, vs. reaching LDL-C goal alone.

Those diagnosed with ketoacidosis and hyperosmolarity, as well as those who were on lipid-lowering drugs, were among those most likely to achieve dual goal. Those who used insulin, or had retinopathy, neuropathy, or congestive heart failure, were least likely to attain both goals.

Citation: Lizheng S, Xin Y, Mei L, et al. Glycemic and cholesterol control versus single-goal control in US veterans with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: A retrospective observational study. Diabetes Ther. 2015;122 Jul 23. [Epub ahead of print] DOI: 10.1007/s13300-015-0122-2.