What is the legacy effect of early intensive blood glucose management as shown in the 44-year follow-up of the UKPDS?

At the 44-year follow-up of the UKPDS, early intensive blood glucose management showed a legacy effect of reducing microvascular complications and improving clinical outcomes.

The 44-year follow-up data from the UKPDS demonstrated that instituting intensive blood glucose control early in the course of type 2 diabetes produced a sustained legacy effect. This effect was seen as a reduction in microvascular complications and an improvement in overall clinical outcomes, even years after the active intervention period ended.