What Is the DCCT?

The Diabetes Control & Complications Trial (DCCT Study) is a clinical study conducted from 1983 to 1993 by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The study showed that keeping blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible slows the onset and progression of eye, kidney, and nerve diseases caused by diabetes. In fact, it demonstrated that any sustained lowering of blood glucose helps, even if the person has a history of poor control.

The study concluded that frequent testing of blood sugar levels can do the following:

DCCT Study Finding

Lowering blood glucose reduces risk:

Eye disease
76% reduced risk

Kidney disease
50% reduced risk

Nerve disease
60% reduced risk