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Reducing cardiovascular risk in diabetes. Which factors to modify first?

R G Spanheimer1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA. robert-spanheimer@uiowa.edu

Postgraduate Medicine
|April 25, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Diabetic patients face high risks of cardiovascular disease. Aggressively managing blood pressure and lipids, even to previously low levels, is crucial for preventing serious complications in type 2 diabetes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Macrovascular complications cause up to 80% of deaths in diabetic patients.
  • Cardiovascular events significantly increase mortality in the growing diabetic population.
  • Early and aggressive risk factor management is critical for diabetic patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of aggressive risk factor management in type 2 diabetes.
  • To discuss the evolving definitions of "normal" blood pressure and lipid levels for high-risk patients.
  • To emphasize the benefits of intensive treatment in preventing macrovascular complications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of numerous studies on risk factor management in type 2 diabetes.
  • Analysis of treatment benefits for blood pressure and lipid control.
  • Discussion of redefined "normal" levels for high-risk populations.

Main Results:

  • Aggressive treatment of blood pressure and lipids shows significant benefits.
  • Target levels for blood pressure and lipids are lower than previously considered.
  • Advances in treatment redefine optimal management for diabetic patients.

Conclusions:

  • Intensive management of blood pressure and lipids is essential for diabetic patients.
  • Lower "normal" levels are required to prevent macrovascular complications.
  • Physicians must adapt to evolving treatment guidelines for high-risk populations.

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