Ischemic heart disease in patients with diabetes mellitus in Japan

The risk of death by ischemic heart disease (IHD) in patients with diabetes mellitus is higher than in non-diabetics, and the average life span of the diabetics is shorter than in non-diabetics in Japan. There is no direct correlation between the occurrence of IHD and severity or glycemic control of diabetes. However, the mortality by IHD increases in diabetic patients with severe retinopathy and/or massive proteinuria. Regarding the management of IHD, diabetes is not considered a contraindication to thrombolytic therapy. The indication and results of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery are the same as in non-diabetics.