Published online Oct 10, 2015. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v6.i13.1246
Peer-review started: October 26, 2015
First decision: March 6, 2015
Revised: August 2, 2015
Accepted: September 16, 2015
Article in press: September 18, 2015
Published online: October 10, 2015
Processing time: 352 Days and 17.9 Hours
The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to rise and has quickly become one of the most prevalent and costly chronic diseases worldwide. A close link exists between DM and cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the most prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors such as obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia are common in patients with DM, placing them at increased risk for cardiac events. In addition, many studies have found biological mechanisms associated with DM that independently increase the risk of CVD in diabetic patients. Therefore, targeting CV risk factors in patients with DM is critical to minimize the long-term CV complications of the disease. This paper summarizes the relationship between diabetes and CVD, examines possible mechanisms of disease progression, discusses current treatment recommendations, and outlines future research directions.
Core tip: The link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is summarized and discussed in detail with a focus on growing prevalence, mechanisms of disease progression and current treatment of CVD in diabetic patients. Directions of future research are also examined.