[Hyperglycemia and the complications of maturity-onset diabetes].

In this paper the principal investigations into the effects of glycemia and its treatment on the complications associated with maturity-onset diabetes are analysed. Two points are stressed. First, a consensus is lacking on the diagnostic levels of blood glucose; some diabetologists recommend a return to the use of fasting blood glucose values. Second, a definite causal relation between hyperglycemia (and its control) and the main complications of diabetes has not been established. Until the natural history of the condition and the effectiveness of hypoglycemic treatment on the long-term prognosis are better understood, systematic screening for maturity-onset diabetes in asymptomatic adults is not justified. In addition, patients with mildly abnormal blood glucose levels should be followed yearly to monitor the development of overt diabetes or other cardiovascular risk factors. They should be neither labelled as diabetics nor compelled to comply with a strict therapeutic regimen.