As we have seen with ESRD, it is possible – with insights gained from NIH-supported research – to successfully treat and prevent some complications of type 2 diabetes. I’d like to tell you a little about our successes in preventing some of the other complications of the disease.

Damage to the small blood vessels at the back of the eye – microvascular damage – can lead to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes is the leading cause of adult-onset blindness in the U.S. However, thanks to a landmark study of patients with type 1 diabetes, we know that tight control of blood glucose levels can prevent this damage and preserve eyesight.

Damage to the larger blood vessels of the body – macrovascular damage – can lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD). We now know that tight control of blood glucose can dramatically lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Finally, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) clinical trial showed that development of type 2 diabetes could be prevented or delayed in high-risk individuals through either drug treatment or a lifestyle intervention that included reduced caloric intake and increased exercise.