11140 patients from the Action in Diabetes and Vascular disease : preterAx and diamicroN-MR Controlled Evaluation ( ADVANCE ) trial who were randomized to intensive glucose control or standard glucose control and followed up for a median of 5years were categorized into two groups : effective glycaemic control [ haemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) 7.0 % or a proportionate reduction in HbA1c over 10 % ] or ineffective glycaemic control ( HbA1c > 7.0 % and a proportionate reduction in HbA1c less than or equal to 10 % ) .