The results of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) are having far-reaching consequences around the world, with many clinicians following the recommendations for intensive treatment of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). But what about patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and patients of a young age? Neither of these patient groups were included in the DCCT, so the use of intensive therapy in these cases requires careful consideration. Current opinions were expressed at the 54th Annual Meeting of the American Diabetes Association [New Orleans, US; June 1994].