A prospective study to investigate the incidence of atherosclerotic vascular disease in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is associated with premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined the extent of vascular disease and modifiable risk factors in 50 sequential patients with type 2 diabetes, without a previous diagnosis of vascular disease, at their first presentation to a hospital diabetes clinic. Sixty-four per cent of patients were obese (BMI ≥ 30). Average HbA1C was 6.8% and mean total cholesterol was 5.74 mmol/L. Forty-seven per cent were hypertensive (systolic pressures ≥ 140) and 18% were current smokers.

Eighteen point four per cent of this population had ischaemic heart disease detectable by ECG and exercise ECG. Eighteen per cent had a reduced ankle: brachial pressure index and 49% had carotid atheroma by Doppler scanning.

These findings illustrate the case for aggressive primary vascular disease prevention strategies from the time of diagnosis in type 2 diabetes.