Intensified therapy of newly detected maturity onset diabetes

: In a prospective study 150 newly detected maturity onset-diabetics were randomized in 2 biostatistically comparable groups and underwent a treatment of different intensity. While the patients of the control group were treated according to the routine method used up to now in the dispensary for diabetics, in the intervention group an intensifying of the therapy took place, taking particular into consideration the body weight as well as the carbohydrate and fat metabolism. The decrease of body weight achieved by dietary intensive care proved to be the decisive factor for the tendency towards normalisation of glucose tolerance, hyperlipoproteinaemia and IRI-secretion, which could be registered in the intervention group after 2 years of observation. Following the preceding strong phase of diet, by Biguanides and Clofibrate a further significant improvement of the carbohydrate and fat metabolism could not be achieved. The decisive reserve in the treatment of obese maturity onset-diabetes could be seen in a permanent and continuous reduction of body weight. The results of this treatment depend highly on an intensive education as well as on frequent control of the patients' metabolism and their cooperation.