Early control of HbA1c and excess weight:
A shift in the type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment paradigm
T2D can progress for years before patients are diagnosed. According to the latest ADA-EASD Consensus Report, a proactive approach to achieving HbA1c targets early is important for long-term outcomes, and weight management is central from the beginning for comprehensive T2D care in people with T2D and excess weight.1,2

Meet Ted
Ted’s hypothetical treatment journey will be used to help us see the potential benefits of an early treatment approach that addresses more than HbA1c alone.
At Diagnosis
Ted is a 42-year-old man diagnosed with T2D during his initial visit to your clinic.
Clinical Workup
| HbA1c | 7.8% |
| Body Mass Index (BMI) |
29 kg/m2 Waist Circumference 102 cm (40.2 in) |
| Waist-to-hip Ratio | 0.97 |
| Blood Pressure | 131/79 mm Hg |
| Lipid Profile | HDL-C LD-C Total Cholesterol Triglycerides |
HbA1c 7.8% |
Body Mass Index (BMI)
29 kg/m2 |
Waist-to-hip Ratio 0.97 |
Blood Pressure 131/79 mm Hg |
Lipid Profile HDL-C LD-C Total Cholesterol Triglycerides |
What does Ted’s clinical workup tell us about his T2D?
There could be multiple pathophysiological defects driving his T2D progression, and if hyperglycemia is not treated to his individualized goal, his risk of developing irreversible complications is increased.1,3,4
References
- Davies MJ, Aroda VR, Collins BS, et al. Management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes, 2022. A consensus report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Diabetes Care. 2022;45(11):2753-2786. doi:10.2337/dci22-0034
- Kendall DM, Cuddihy RM, Bergenstal RM. Clinical application of incretin-based therapy: therapeutic potential, patient selection and clinical use. Am J Med. 2009;122(6 suppl): S37-S50. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2009.03.015
- Schwartz SS, Epstein S, Corkey BE, et al. The time is right for a new classification system for diabetes: rationale and implications of the β-cell-centric classification schema. Diabetes Care. 2016;39(2):179-186. doi:10.2337/dc15-1585
- UK Prospective Diabetes Study Group. Intensive blood-glucose control with sulphonylureas or insulin compared with conventional treatment and risk of complications in patients with type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 33). Lancet. 1998;352(9131):837-853. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(98)07019-6