Diabetes and chronic coronary syndromes

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing across the globe, with an estimated 8.5% of adults globally suffering from this condition. However, there is little data discussing the relationship between diabetes mellitus and chronic coronary syndromes. There are significant differences in the prevalence of diabetes across the global and across different ethnicities. Yet, it is generally seen that diabetes alongside chronic coronary syndromes correlates with mortality and cardiovascular events such as heart failure, regardless of ethnicity or geographical location. This highlights the need for targeting patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic coronary syndromes as a high-risk group in treatment. Understanding the relationship between the two conditions may prove beneficial in improving outcomes and quality of life.

This review by Mak KH et al. aimed to investigate the prevalence of diabetes in different geographical regions and ethnicities, and to understand the link between this and chronic coronary syndrome outcomes.

Key learnings:

Patients who suffer with both diabetes and chronic coronary syndromes are at a high risk of adverse cardiovascular events. This is seen to be true across all ethnicities and regardless of geographical location. Strategies for slowing the progression of diabetes may improve clinical outcomes in patients with chronic coronary syndromes. Overall, further research is needed into interventions such as lifestyle changes, revascularisation or pharmacological therapies for these patients.