How Does Diabetes Damage the Heart? The clock starts ticking early

Cardiovascular disease causes more than 70% of deaths in people with type 2 diabetes. Atheroma in patients with
diabetes develops silently preceding hyperglycaemia, particularly when features of the metabolic syndrome
are present. Classic coronary risk factors in people with diabetes (including hypercholesterolaemia and
hypertension) contribute to the atheroma and should be actively treated, remembering that women in particular
may be undertreated. Additional risk factors specific to diabetes (such as dyslipidaemia, central obesity,
hyperglycaemia and autonomic neuropathy) accelerate atheroma in people with type 2 diabetes or can worsen
the outcome.

Modern Medicine – November 2017