Cardiovascular disease in diabetes

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

• Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are escalating global health concerns.
• These conditions are primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of mortality in diabetic populations.
• Heart failure (HF) prevalence is increasing despite advancements in clinical care, with obesity and diabetes potentially contributing independently of traditional risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review recent literature (last 10 years) on the association between CVD, obesity, and diabetes.
• To identify key clinical insights for diagnosing and assessing cardiovascular risk in these patient groups.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases like PubMed and Scopus.
• Included original research, clinical articles, and reviews focusing on molecular mechanisms, clinical aspects, and therapeutic strategies in diabetes and heart disease.
• Collected articles were critically compiled for analysis.

Main Results:

• Insulin resistance, prevalent in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes (T1D and T2D), is a critical determinant of cardiovascular events.
• Hyperglycemia exacerbates insulin resistance, further elevating the risk of CVD and heart failure.
• While obesity is a CVD risk factor, its impact is largely mediated by insulin resistance rather than body-mass index (BMI) alone; traditional risk factors do not fully explain CVD risk in T2D patients.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients is amplified beyond traditional factors, necessitating a multifaceted approach.
• Preventative strategies for diabetic cardiovascular complications must address insulin resistance, incorporate lifestyle modifications, and involve early pharmacological interventions.