Chinese scientists have demonstrated that early insulin therapy can significantly reduce the risks of stroke and hospitalization due to heart failure in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This groundbreaking study offers new hope for improved management of the condition.
A joint research team led by Professor Weng Jianping from Anhui Medical University, alongside scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China, Southern Medical University, and Peking University, conducted a comprehensive 24-year observational study. The study involved 5,424 T2D patients from across the country, providing a robust dataset for analysis.
The researchers found that patients who received early insulin therapy experienced a 31% reduction in the risk of stroke and a 28% decrease in the risk of hospitalization due to heart failure compared to those who did not undergo the therapy. These significant findings highlight the therapy’s potential in mitigating severe cardiovascular complications associated with T2D.
Beyond these outcomes, the study also revealed that early insulin intervention improved biomarkers related to low-grade inflammation and endothelial function—both critical indicators of cardiovascular risk. By enhancing these biomarkers, early insulin therapy may offer protective cardiovascular benefits for newly diagnosed patients.
“Our findings provide compelling evidence for adopting early insulin therapy as a first-line treatment option for newly diagnosed T2D patients,” said Professor Weng. “This approach could fundamentally change how we manage the disease and prevent its serious complications.”
The study’s results suggest a need for a shift in clinical practice, encouraging healthcare providers to consider early insulin therapy to improve long-term health outcomes for T2D patients.
The full findings were published in the international journal Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy in early June.
Reference(s):
Scientists prove early insulin therapy effective for type 2 diabetes
cgtn.com
