Strategies to enhance cardiovascular disease prevention in patients with diabetes

Purpose of review To describe current strategies to enhance cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in patients with abnormal glucose regulation. Recent findings Early detection of glucose abnormalities and a multifactorial approach to all modifiable risk factors are effective strategies to reduce the burden of CVD in patients with diabetes mellitus. Available evidence suggests that an overly aggressive approach to lowering of glucose may contribute to complications; different hypoglycaemic agents may vary in the likelihood with which their use may give rise to complications. Thus, a decrease of glucose levels below that recommended in available guidelines is not recommended. Summary Given its increasing prevalence and its substantial concomitant risk for CVD, diabetes mellitus can no longer be perceived as an endocrine disorder only bearing high risk of microvascular complications. Further research involving prospective clinical trials will be necessary to clarify the benefits of early detection and treatment of diabetes in preventing the subsequent development or exacerbation of CVD.