The common approach of intensive glucose control to achieve low blood sugar targets in type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of mortality, according to a study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

Looking at routine data from over three hundred thousand people in the UK, collected between 2004 and 2015, researchers found that lower levels of glycated haemoglobin, typically regarded as being good diabetes control, were associated with increased mortality risk, compared to moderate levels, especially in conjunction with intensive treatments that could cause hypoglycaemia.

Cardiff University reports that Professor Craig Currie from its School of Medicine said “Treatment guidelines generally recommend therapeutic strategies that aim for low levels of glucose control, on the understanding that it reduces risk of macrovascular complications such as coronary artery disease and stroke. Contrary to this belief, our findings show persuasively that there is an association with increased mortality risk and what is considered to be good glucose control, or low HbA1c. Serious questions remain about the safety of some glucose lowering drugs, with scientific evidence and opposing opinions being largely ignored.”

The findings of the study also suggest that neither randomised trials nor observational studies have been able to demonstrate a consistent pattern of association between levels of glucose control and adverse outcome, without any explanation as to why. Therefore, the optimal target for glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes remains uncertain. The pattern of mortality in relation to glucose control differed in relation to differing types of diabetes drugs. Of most concern was an increase in mortality risk in those with good control with type 2 diabetes who were treated with insulin and other glucose lowering drugs that induce hypoglycaemia.

Craig Currie said “Serious questions remain about the safety of some glucose lowering drugs, with scientific evidence and opposing opinions being largely ignored…Patients currently being treated with insulin should not, under any circumstances, stop taking their medications, and it is important to emphasise that this study relates only to type 2 diabetes. Each patient’s individual circumstances are different and treatment decisions are managed by their clinician with all of their medical history fully considered. The vast majority of people who take insulin will experience no adverse effects and it remains a reliable and common form of treatment worldwide. The findings of our study only suggest that more research is needed to determine optimal targets for glucose control in patients. Anyone who is concerned should speak to their GP first before making any changes in managing their condition.”