title: Diabetes and atrial fibrillation: stratification and prevention of stroke risks.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although evidence is not very clear, diabetes is assumed to be an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). One reason for the lack of evidence could be that AF often is not detected due to its paroxysmal or asymptomatic character. A better understanding of the relationship between both diseases and improved detection of AF is necessary since the combination of both diseases dramatically increase the risk of strokes if not treated properly.
  
  
  METHODS
  Available literature about diabetes as an independent risk factor for AF has been evaluated, and limitations of studies are discussed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results from different trials and registers are contradictory concerning diabetes as an independent risk factor for AF. Reasons for these differences can be found in different study designs and neglecting patients with unknown AF.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Due to the increasing burden of disease of diabetes and AF as common risk factors for stroke, a systematic screening for AF in diabetes patients could provide a better understanding of their correlation and personalized prevention strategies.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Work and Technology, Munscheidstr 14, 45886 Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: V Bandemer
authors.affiliation: Institute of Work and Technology, Munscheidstr 14, 45886 Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Merkel
authors.affiliation: Institute of Work and Technology, Munscheidstr 14, 45886 Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nimako-Doffour
authors.affiliation: Universitätsmedizin Mainz der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: Mattias M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Weber
keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Diabetes; Personalized prevention strategies; Stroke risk