Arguments for and against the role of glucose variability in the development of diabetes complications.

There is now unequivocal evidence that improving glycemic control in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes reduces the likelihood of developing the micro- and macrovascular complications of the disease. However, it is still unclear whether a patient with very variable glucose is at any different a risk of these problems than someone who has the same mean glucose but much more stable glycemia. This article reviews the evidence that exists to both support and refute the claim that increased glucose variability should be regarded as an independent risk factor for the development of diabetic vascular disease. Copyright 2009 Diabetes Technology Society.