In this review, Kelly et al. summarize the existing data on the clinical benefits/harms of intensive versus conventional glucose control for adults with type 2 diabetes. A total of 5 trials (27 802 participants) were included in the analysis. Overall, intensive glucose control was associated with a 10% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 11% reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. In addition, intensive glucose control decreased the risk of nonfatal myocardial infraction by 16%. No effect was observed on cardiovascular mortality or all-cause mortality. Finally, despite some evidence for a beneficial effect on CVD outcomes, glucose control was related to increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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