Diabetic control in the patient with acute myocardial infarction

Diabetes mellitus affects 2% of the population and up to 5% of people over 65 years of age (Thomas, 1993). Diabetic patients have more coronary artery disease and a higher mortality from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than the rest of the population (Patmore and Jennings, 1996). They have similar-size infarcts to those without diabetes, but the total mortality post-MI is higher (Karlson et al, 1993). This article examines the literature on AMI in diabetic patients to ascertain the most effective management of these patients and hence improve their prognosis.