Frequency of undiagnosed and untreated diabetes mellitus in patients with acute coronary syndromes

Abstract

The current epidemic of obesity warrants aggressive screening for associated comorbid conditions; namely, the metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. Approximately 25-30% of patients with acute coronary syndrome have diabetes. Of the remaining patients, most have a spectrum of abnormal glucose metabolism, including previously undiagnosed impaired fasting glucose and diabetes mellitus. This article reviews the current literature and the author's own experience of this subject, as well as highlighting effective new agents in treating diabetes.