An individualized approach to diabetes treatment results in dramatically better results in adults over age 70 with Type 2 diabetes, a new study finds.

Researchers separated patients into two groups: one was given 50 mg of the drug vildagliptin, which is an oral anti-hyperglycemic; the other group was given a placebo and individualized care. This included talking with providers and setting a specific glycemic control target.

While those who were given the medication were more likely to reach their glycemic control target, the researchers at University of Exeter Medical School also found 27% in the placebo group improved glycemic control. 

“We found that simply individualizing goals and setting realistic targets, then spending time talking to patients rather than aggressively chasing targets, resulted in nearly a quarter of patients achieving better glycemic control, without the need for medication,” explained W. David Strain, M.D., the study’s leader. 

He added that this is “strong evidence that individualized care can make a huge difference.”

The study was funded by Novartis Pharma AG. Findings appeared in The Lancet