The burden of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes

Adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a 2-to-4-fold higher risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality than adults without diabetes, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Furthermore, the AHA deems diabetes to be "1 of the 7 major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD)." Lack of glycemic control may lead to nerve and cardiac conduction impairments and CVD. However, glycemic control is not the only risk factor. Additional risk factors for CVD in T2D include hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, lack of physical activity, and smoking. Patients with T2D are also more likely to have risk factors that increase atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Control of these risk factors, as well as understanding the link between hyperglycemia and cardiovascular risk, is essential for the optimal management of T2D.