Vascular disease prevention in patients with diabetes

Prevention is the key to reducing the vascular sequelae of diabetes. Prevention starts with good glycaemic control and continues with a comprehensive programme of risk modification, such as lipid-lowering therapy, antihypertensive treatment, and improved lifestyle. With regard to lipid modification, agents such as statins may provide additional, non-lipid effects in both the diabetic and non-diabetic patient. This review discusses recent studies supporting risk reduction, available treatments, and recommendations applicable to the diabetic patient.