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Diabetes and inflammation

Francesco Cosentino1, Gabriele Egidy Assenza

  • 1Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. f_cosentino@hotmail.com

Herz
|December 16, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus are a dual epidemic. This review explores the links between inflammation, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and atherothrombosis, highlighting new therapeutic strategies for these interconnected conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Internal Medicine
  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus represent a dual epidemic impacting global health.
  • CVD is a leading cause of death in Western countries, with a significant burden in developing nations.
  • The association between diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, and peripheral artery disease has been recognized for decades.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the common pathophysiological mechanisms linking diabetes, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and atherosclerosis.
  • To explore emerging therapeutic strategies for managing these interconnected conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent molecular data and epidemiological evidence.
  • Analysis of the role of inflammation, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction.
  • Focus on the pathophysiology of atherothrombosis in the context of diabetes.

Main Results:

  • Inflammation, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction play significant, independent roles in atherothrombosis.
  • These factors are superimposed on traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Molecular data increasingly link diabetes, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the shared mechanisms between diabetes and CVD is crucial for effective treatment.
  • New therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation, insulin resistance, and endothelial function hold promise.
  • Integrated management approaches are needed to address the dual epidemic of CVD and diabetes.

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