[Inflammation and atherogenesis in diabetes mellitus - new therapeutic approaches]

Atherogenesis is characterized by a chronic process, which commences years before diabetes mellitus becomes overt. Each step of the pathogenetic cascade is accompanied by inflammation. The degree of inflammation is a key determinant for the process of atherogenesis. C-reactive protein is elevated by inflammatory processes, correlates with the atherosclerotic prognosis and is therefore an important marker of inflammation. It denotes early cardiovascular damages and is elevated in acute coronary syndromes. Cardiovascular risk is excessively elevated in diabetic patients and inflammatory mechanisms are predominant in this group. Preventive interventions and therapeutic strategies based on pathophysiological processes are necessary. The importance of treatment of inflammation increases. Glitazones have been demonstrated to act via antiinflammatory effects. They do not only improve glucose utilisation, but also have pleiotropic effects, which target the increased cardiovascular risks in diabetic patients.