Glucose-Control Arm of ACCORD Trial Halted Early

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has announced the early termination of one treatment arm of the ongoing Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial because of an increased risk for death among patients assigned to intensive glucose-lowering therapy (press release, February 6, 2008). The 5128 participants (at 77 North American sites) randomized to treatment aimed at reducing HbA_1c levels to <6.0% will now be treated to a target HbA_1c level of 7.0% to 7.9%, the same as participants in the control group. Two concurrent trials of management strategies for cholesterol and hypertension will continue as planned.

The Data and Safety Monitoring Board of ACCORD recommended stopping intensive glucose-lowering therapy …