Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a result of macrovascular changes is the leading cause of mortality in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). While CVD complications are seen predominantly in adulthood, the atherosclerotic process begins in childhood and is accelerated in patients with T1DM. This review focuses on the epidemiology of traditional CVD risk factors in adolescents with T1DM, its association with markers of CVD and an overview of studies looking into each individual risk factor.

The risk factors that are reviewed here are hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, hyperglycemia and diabetic nephropathy. We highlight the importance of early identification, and interventions, which include optimizing glycemic control, pharmacotherapy, regular physical activity and dietary changes.