Diabetes and vascular disease.
Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions and is now recognized as a coronary heart disease equivalent. While the most common metabolic abnormality associated with diabetes is hyperglycemia, there are also abnormalities in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. These abnormalities increase oxidative stress and activate the renin-angiotensin system leading to endothelial dysfunction and, thereafter, to systemic atherosclerosis. This systemic atherosclerosis is responsible for the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality related to diabetes. In this article, we review the evidence and discuss the rationale for comprehensive risk reduction to prevent and treat vascular disease in individuals with diabetes mellitus. The components of comprehensive risk reduction strategy consist of lifestyle changes, glycemic control, control of dyslipidemia and hypertension.
Deedwania
Prakash
P
Department of Medicine, VACCHCS/UMC, UCSF Program at Fresno, 2615 E Clinton Ave, Fresno, CA 93703, USA. deed@fresno.ucsf.edu
Srikanth
Sundararajan
S
D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008019:Life Style; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents