[Diabetes mellitus as a problem of modern cardiology]

Type II diabetes is a highly prevalent condition closely related to current rise of incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Most of unfavorable effects of diabetes are realized through impact on cardiovascular system. Diabetes accelerates processes of atherogenesis in all age groups. Available data indicate that linkage between coronary risk and blood glucose level exists throughout the whole spectrum of alterations of carbohydrate metabolism: from norm through impaired glucose tolerance to diabetes. Compared with general population patients with diabetes have higher mortality in acute phase of myocardial infarction as well as in early and late postinfarction period. Primary prevention of ischemic heart disease in patients with diabetes should include abolition of hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia. Measures of primary prevention comprise the use of aspirin, beta-adrenoblockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and strict control of glycemia.