Macrovascular complication phenotypes in type 2 diabetic patients.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Macrovascular diseases (MVD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are often studied collectively, neglecting site-specific differences.
• Understanding MVD prevalence across various sites is essential for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze MVD prevalence in a large T2DM cohort, stratified by affected sites.
• To identify anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory parameters associated with specific MVD subgroups.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a diabetic outpatient cohort (n=1199).
• Collection of demographic, clinical, and laboratory data.
• Comprehensive cardiovascular history and vascular laboratory studies were performed.
• Assessment of microvascular complications and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Main Results:

• Unadjusted MVD prevalence was 46.4%, with most cases in the polyvascular disease (PVD) group.
• Independent risk factors for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and PVD included age, male sex, and diabetes duration.
• Low HDL-C was a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and PVD.
• High frequencies of MetS were observed in PAD and PVD groups; CAD group showed most MetS criteria.
• Microvascular complications were more common in PAD and PVD patients.

Conclusions:

• Phenotypic heterogeneity in T2DM is linked to distinct macrovascular complications.
• Findings suggest the need for tailored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for T2DM patients with MVD.