Association and relative importance of multiple risk factor control on cardiovascular disease, end-stage renal disease and mortality in people with type 2 diabetes: A population-based retrospective cohort study

Aims: To evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and mortality, when implementing a multifactorial optimal control approach in primary care in the United Kingdom (UK), in individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort of 53 942 patients were stratified into 1 of the 8 groups according to whether glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP) and total cholesterol (TC) target values were achieved or not from baseline to the date of last follow-up. Those with single or combinations of risk factor control targets achieved, were compared to those who achieved no targets in any of the risk factor. Hazard ratios from the Cox proportional hazards models were estimated against patients who achieved no targets. Results: Of 53 942 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, 28%, 55%, and 68% were at target levels for HbA1c <48 mmol/mol (<6.5%), BP < 140/85 mm Hg, and TC < 5 mmol/L respectively, 36%, 40%, and 12% were at target levels for any one, two, or all three risk factors respectively. Being at HbA1c, BP, and TC targets was associated with an overall 47%, 25%, 42%, 55% and 42% reduction in the risk of ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, ESRD, cardiovascular-mortality, and all-cause-mortality respectively. Among all subgroups, the risk reduction of study outcome events was greater in the subgroups of patients with microalbuminuria, males, smokers, and patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Conclusions: Optimal levels of HbA1c, BP, and TC occurring together in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes are uncommon. Achieving multiple risk factor control targets could substantially reduce the risk of CVD, ESRD and mortality.