Educating patients with diabetes about cardiovascular disease risk

In persons with diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis is increased, develops prematurely, and is associated with an accelerated progression of atherosclerotic changes. More than 55% of deaths from diabetes are from cardiovascular disease. Central to the optimal management of diabetes and the prevention of chronic complications is effective patient education. The necessity of optimal glycemic control in the prevention of long-term diabetes-related complications, particularly microvascular disease, has been a primary focus of diabetes education during the past decade. It has become clear that to prevent cardiovascular disease in persons with diabetes, an increased emphasis on patient education aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors is essential. This review explores the scope, impact, and prevention of diabetes-related cardiovascular disease, focusing on integration of cardiovascular disease risk reduction during patient teaching and education programs.