Deciphering Unexpected Deaths in a Diabetes Study

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I was sent to an endocrinologist because of bone loss. He immediately diagnosed "diabetes" because my A1C level was 6% !!
The diagnosis that he MISSED by concentrating on what I believe is non-existent diabetes was hyperparathyroidism. Eventually I referred myself to a surgeon and had a subtotal parathyroidectomy; and now I feel fine and I'm (guess what?) making bone.
I am extremely disappointed in the endocrinologist - he was absolutely wrong about the diabetes, and missed the main problem. A real bozo, I'm afraid.

Elaine Jeter of CA 11:34AM February 09, 2008

I have been an insulin dependent diabetic for 52 years and have never felt that maintaining a blood-sugar level below 6% was safe.

Richard Sadler of MD 8:00AM February 09, 2008

Excellent report compared to NBC web site copy because they did not include the explanation of the A1c 6 % level which greatly helps the explanation. I am a diabetic type 2 and my A1c is checked every 3 months. This report shows I don't have to make any changes because my diabetes is in the early stages so I have nothing to worry about.

Joe Rosenski of IL 6:15PM February 08, 2008

There has never been a study documenting benefit of lowering HbA1c to 6 or below. Benefits of glucose lowering alone vis-a-vis CV risk reduction still remain largely unproven. This study confirms that at a very heavy cost. The ill conceived movement to lower HbA1c to 6% or lower was led by arm chair experts. The benefits were often touted by speakers hired by pharmaceutical companies to advance sales of their products. Ironically it was the same group of 8 or 9 speakers who would be shamelessly selling 'concepts' at different venues under the garb of "scientific evidence."

Romesh Khardori, MB.,MD.,Ph.D of IL 6:03PM February 08, 2008

It is a thought provoking styudy and needs appreciation. While you are busy in research on diabetese in the most technologically advanced country, have you ever thought of plight of those suffering with diabetese in deprived places like Kashmir where life is hell due to socio-political problems and real medical facilities are scanty for the poor. I would like you to guide me as how can I start a help line for diabetic patients in Kashmir with your active support. I am myself suffering with this disease, I know how urgent it is to inform the people of this culturally ignorant place about the risks
and hazards of this nasty disease.
Regards
Rafi Punjabi
(Social Activist)

Rafi Punjabi 2:07PM February 08, 2008

The study and analysis of the disturbing data are far from complete.The subsets of the unfortunate patients,comorbidities,the treatment regimen followed and the adequacy of response of all cardiovascular risk factors (not just the blood sugar levels) need to be reviewed, while looking for the possible explanation. In the meanwhile, the remarkable improvement in risk from baseline in both categories, should reassure Medical professionals as well as patients that there is merit in continuing to tackle the risk profile reasonably as per current recommendations.

Dr.N.GANGADHARAN M.D, DUBAI 7:14AM February 08, 2008

Parents, do not be alarmed. This study was based on patients with Type-2 diabetes, a crucial fact that should not have been left out.

Brad Myers of OH 9:57PM February 07, 2008

Doesn't it seem likely that the increase in heart problems for patients with more aggressive diabetes medication is not the result of lower sugar levels but more intense use of the diabetes medicine?
For example, is there any doubt that if the patients had reduced their blood sugar levels strictly by diet and exercise, they would have had fewer problems with heart disease?
As a diabetes patient, my approach is to exercise at least 1000 calories per day, and eat food low in carbs that is heart healthy and try to minimize the use of medicine. I am so thankful for the diabetes meds that exist nowadays but realize that there is always going to be some risk associated with using these drugs.

Steve of TX 7:11PM February 07, 2008