Risk factors for vascular disease in patients with diabetes

Abstract

The risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in patients with diabetes are greater than those in persons without diabetes. This is due, in part, to the metabolic effects of insulin resistance. Other contributing factors include hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, hypercoagulability, homocysteinaemia, smoking, and obesity. Risk factor modification, where possible, can reduce the risk of complications of diabetes and macrovascular disease.