Strict control of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a strict control of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors on coronary risk (CR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Longitudinal, open and observational study in 530 patients with T2DM. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1C)), postprandial capillary glucose (PCG), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were measured; low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and body mass index were calculated; and 10 years CR was predicted before and after 6 months of therapy implementation. The percentage of patients who reached the targets, according to published guidelines, and the use of insulin and various cardioprotective medications were compared before and after therapy implementation. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in mean HbA(1C), FPG, PCG, total cholesterol, triglycerides, SBP, DBP, and CR after intervention. The percentage of patients who reached the HbA(1C) FPG, PCG, total cholesterol, triglycerides, SBP, DPB, and CR targets, and the number of subjects taking insulin and card ioprotective drugs increased significantly after intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that a strict control of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in patients with T2DM in clinical practice has a beneficial effect over predicted CR.