(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- In order to help combat an increased risk for life-threatening cardiovascular diseases, people with type I and type II diabetes would be well advised to monitor their blood sugar levels more than the standard twice a day, according to a new study.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Health in Baltimore conducted a meta-analysis of 13 previously published observational studies focused on the relationship between blood sugar levels and cardiovascular disease.
Results show blood sugar levels play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Also, diabetics are twice as likely to die from these types of disorders than non-diabetics.
According to researchers, in type II diabetics, it is estimated that for every 1-percent rise in glycated hemoglobin levels, there is an 18-percent rise in the risk for developing large-vessel cardiovascular disease.
Data for type I diabetes was more limited, but researchers found a similar 15-percent risk increase in this group with every 1-percent rise in hemoglobin levels.
Researchers recommend monitoring blood sugar levels along with close monitoring of the usual markers for cardiovascular disease, such as cholesterol and blood pressure. They specify that sugar levels should not be elevated over 150 milligrams per deciliter for sustained periods.
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SOURCE: Annals of Internal Medicine, 2004;141:421-431
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