How to prevent the microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes beyond glucose control

Abstract

Microvascular complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy) affect hundreds of millions of patients with type 2 diabetes. They usually affect people with longstanding or uncontrolled disease, but they can also be present at diagnosis or in those yet to have a diagnosis made. The presentation and progression of these complications can lead to loss of visual, renal, and neurologic functions, impaired mobility and cognition, poor quality of life, limitations for employment and productivity, and increased costs for the patient and society. If left uncontrolled or untreated, they lead to irreversible damage and even death. This review focuses on the primary and secondary prevention of diabetic microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes, beyond glycemic control. Interventions discussed include standard of care interventions supported by guidelines from major organizations, as well as additional proposed interventions that are supported by research published in the past decade. High level evidence sources such as systematic reviews and large, multicenter randomized clinical trials have been prioritized. Smaller trials were included where high quality evidence was unavailable.