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Novel cardiovascular risk factors and macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes

P Theuma1, V A Fonseca

  • 1Tulane Diabetes Program, Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Tulane University Medical Center, SL-53, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2699, USA. ptheuma@tulane.edu

Current Drug Targets
|July 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Managing diabetes mellitus complications requires addressing non-traditional risk factors beyond traditional ones. Early intervention for metabolic syndrome may prevent type 2 diabetes and its vascular issues.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Metabolic Diseases

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality, even with management of traditional risk factors.
  • Emerging evidence suggests non-traditional factors play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of diabetic macrovascular and microvascular complications.
  • Metabolic syndrome often precedes type 2 diabetes, indicating a potential window for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on non-traditional risk factors for diabetes complications.
  • To discuss potential therapies targeting these non-traditional risk factors.
  • To explore the role of metabolic syndrome in delaying diabetes onset and complications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent data on non-traditional risk factors.
  • Discussion of pathophysiological mechanisms including endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and impaired fibrinolysis.
  • Exploration of the potential significance of infection and hyperhomocysteinemia.

Main Results:

  • Endothelial dysfunction, subclinical inflammation, and impaired fibrinolysis are implicated in the progression of both macrovascular and microvascular complications.
  • The roles of infection and hyperhomocysteinemia in diabetes progression warrant further investigation.
  • Early treatment of metabolic syndrome may delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and its associated complications.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing non-traditional risk factors is essential for improving outcomes in diabetes mellitus.
  • Targeting metabolic syndrome and associated factors like endothelial dysfunction and inflammation may offer new therapeutic strategies.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the roles of infection and hyperhomocysteinemia in diabetes complications.

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