[Rhythm and metabolic control]

Diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation show a steady increase in their prevalence. Diabetes mellitus is a relevant risk factor for the development and maintenance of atrial fibrillation, which should not be underestimated. Fluctuations in blood glucose levels occurring in diabetes, inflammatory processes and oxidative stress lead to structural, electromechanical, electrical and autonomic remodelling processes in the myocardium that promote atrial fibrillation. When atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus coincide, this is often associated with more pronounced symptoms, lower quality of life, more frequent hospitalization and a higher mortality rate. Can early and consistent euglycemic blood glucose monitoring effectively influence atrial remodelling processes, cardiovascular end points and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation? Are there new and combined drug treatment approaches for diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation? What ablation strategy should be adopted for the interventional treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with diabetes mellitus? This review article attempts to find answers to these questions.