Figure 1: As highlighted by the R3i, the STENO-2 study showed that intensive multifactorial intervention delayed but did not prevent the development or progression of diabetic-related microvascular complications in persons with type 2 diabetes. Data presented as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals. Reproduced with permission from Fruchart JC et al. [8] RR relative risk. Diabetic nephropathy was defined as urinary albumin excretion of >300 mg per 24 hours in 2 of 3 sterile urine specimens. Diabetic retinopathy was graded according to the 6-level grading scale of the European Community-funded Concerted Action Programme into the Epidemiology and Prevention of Diabetes by 2 independent ophthalmologists, who were unaware of treatment assignment. Peripheral neuropathy was measured with a biothesiometer and autonomic neuropathy was diagnosed based on measurement of the RR interval on an ECG during paced breathing and an orthostatichypotension test conducted by a laboratory technician who was unaware of the patients’ treatment assignment.