title: Diabetes and the abdominal aortic aneurysm.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this review is to delineate the association between abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and diabetes mellitus. Mechanisms for the underlying association are then discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review of the English-language literature using PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases was undertaken up to September 2009. Studies reporting appropriate prevalence data were identified and a meta-analysis performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven studies were identified. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in studied patients with AAA ranged from 6% to 14%. The prevalence of diabetes in control patients without AAA ranged from 17% to 36%. Pooled analysis suggested a reduced rate of diabetes amongst people with AAA compared to those without (OR 0.65, 0.60-0.70, p<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Studies so far suggest a protective role for diabetes on the development of AAA. Further research is required to demarcate the underlying mechanisms for this possible association.
authors: Division of Cardiovascular and Diabetes Research, Leeds Institute of Genetics, Health and Therapeutics, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Shantikumar
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Ajjan
authors: K E
authors: KE
authors: Porter
authors: D J A
authors: DJ
authors: Scott
mesh_terms: D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence