Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Heart Failure in People with Diabetes: A Consensus Report from Diabetes Technology

Andrea M Yeung1, Jingtong Huang1, Ambarish Pandey2

  • 1Diabetes Technology Society, Burlingame, CA, United States of America.

Insights

People with diabetes should be screened for heart failure using natriuretic peptide biomarkers. Screening begins at type 2 diabetes diagnosis or five years after type 1 diabetes diagnosis, annually thereafter.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Diabetology
  • Biomarker Research

Background:

  • People with diabetes (PWD) have a significantly increased risk of developing heart failure (HF).
  • Early detection of asymptomatic heart failure (Stage A and B HF) in PWD is crucial for preventing progression to symptomatic disease (Stage C HF).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish consensus recommendations for biomarker screening for heart failure in people with diabetes.
  • To guide the early identification and management of preclinical heart failure in at-risk diabetic populations.

Main Methods:

  • A panel of clinical experts reviewed existing evidence on HF biomarkers in PWD.
  • Developed consensus-based recommendations for screening strategies, including specific biomarkers and testing frequency.
  • Defined criteria for classifying asymptomatic preclinical HF (Stage B HF) based on biomarker results.

Main Results:

  • Recommended screening using B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).
  • Screening initiation: at diagnosis for type 2 diabetes (T2D), 5 years post-diagnosis for type 1 diabetes (T1D) (no earlier than age 30).
  • Recommended annual screening at any time of day; abnormal results indicate Stage B HF requiring echocardiography.

Conclusions:

  • Biomarker screening effectively identifies asymptomatic preclinical heart failure in people with diabetes.
  • These recommendations facilitate early intervention to prevent progression to symptomatic and advanced heart failure.
  • Standardized screening protocols improve cardiovascular risk management in diabetic patients.

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