Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases
Diabetes mellitus is a major challenge and concern for the global population with an estimated 700 million people affected worldwide by 2040, with the Middle-East and North African region currently having one of the highest increase rates. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, which is commonly associated with other established cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Hence, cardiovascular disease is accelerated in the presence of diabetes and therefore observed approximately 2-3 times more often than in non-diabetic counterparts. Prevention of cardiovascular disease and consequently events has become a major focus in diabetology over the last years, as there are now pharmacological treatments with proven cardiovascular benefits available. Adequate risk stratification of subjects, supporting prevention initiatives, provision of evidence based risk factor management to patients and tight collaboration between multiple disciplines managing cardiovascular disease are critical to be prepared for the challenges we will face over the next years.