[Diabetes, prediabetes and cardiovascular risk]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Context:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death globally.
• Diabetes mellitus is a significant and growing risk factor for various CVDs.
• Many patients with CVDs also have metabolic issues like hypertension and dyslipoproteinaemia.

Purpose:

• To highlight the strong association between diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.
• To emphasize the increased risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and vascular events in diabetic patients.
• To underscore the impact of impaired glucose metabolism on cardiovascular health.

Summary:

• Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and heart failure.
• Patients with diabetes often present with co-existing conditions like hypertension and dyslipoproteinaemia, further increasing cardiovascular risk.
• Impaired glucose metabolism is prevalent in patients with coronary artery disease, and diabetes significantly worsens outcomes for vascular events, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure, especially in women.

Impact:

• Highlights the critical need for integrated management of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.
• Emphasizes the importance of screening for glucose metabolism abnormalities in cardiovascular patients.
• Informs public health strategies aimed at reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes.