Coronary heart disease risk equivalence in diabetes depends on concomitant risk factors

Excess prevalence of chronic diseases in elderly people with diabetes and non-diabetics in Poland

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes increases the risk of several chronic conditions. However, their excessive prevalence among older adults with diabetes in Poland is unknown.

METHODS

The prevalence of chronic diseases was assessed in the nationally representative random sample of 5,987 Polish adults aged 60+ (Polsenior2 study, data collected between 2018 and 2020). Each participant's history of hospitalisation due to coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and cancer was assessed. Diagnosis of arterial hypertension (AH), cognitive impairment (CI), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) was established based on the questionnaire, blood pressure measurements, Mini-Mental State Examination, and laboratory tests. Diabetes was diagnosed if the participant reported being diagnosed with the disease or their measured HbA1c was ≥ 48 mmol/mol (≥6.5%). Age- and sex-adjusted prevalence ratios of chronic conditions for participants with diabetes versus those without diabetes were calculated using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

In the multivariate model, the prevalence ratio for CHD history was 1.98 (95%CI: 1.66-2.37), for CKD: 1.90 (95%CI: 1.66-2.18), for stroke: 1.47 (95%CI: 1.15-1.88), for AH: 1.22 (95%CI: 1.17-1.27). Cancer and cognitive impairment prevalence did not differ between people with and without diabetes. The mean number of chronic diseases was 52% higher in participants with diabetes vs nondiabetic subjects at age 60-69 (1.72 (95%CI: 1.60-1.84) vs. 1.13 (95%CI: 1.07-1.18), respectively). However, this value was only 10% higher in subjects aged 90+ (2.74 (95%CI: 2.45-3.04) vs. 2.49 (95%CI: 2.37-2.62), respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly Polish citizens with diabetes suffer more often from coronary heart disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and arterial hypertension. The study emphasises that the excess prevalence of chronic diseases among people with diabetes is high in the youngest-old population but diminishes in the oldest-old people.

United States Pooled Cohort Cardiovascular Disease Risk Scores in Adults With Diabetes Mellitus

Background

There is significant heterogeneity in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to develop risk scores for total CVD and its components from a contemporary pooled, observational cohort of U.S. adults with DM.

Methods

CVD-free adults with DM aged 40 to 79 years were pooled from 4 U.S. population-based cohorts (CARDIA [Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults], Framingham Offspring, Jackson Heart Study, and the MESA (Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) studied since 2000. Baseline DM-specific and non-DM-specific CVD risk factors were evaluated as predictors. We developed 10-year DM Risk Scores (DMRS) for total CVD, atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure (HF) and stroke. Score performance was validated internally and externally.

Results

We included 2,174 adults with DM mean age 59.2 ± 10.5 years, 55.4% female and 47.5% Black followed up to 10 years. Age, sex, HbA1c, creatinine, systolic blood pressure, DM medication, and smoking were the most important predictors. The DMRS had good internal discrimination (c-statistics 0.72, 0.72, 0.72, 0.79 and 0.73 for CVD, ASCVD, CHD, HF, and stroke) and calibration (calibration slopes 0.93, 0.95, 0.93, 0.98, and 0.89 for CVD, ASCVD, CHD, HF, and stroke; Greenwood Nam-D'Agostino calibration tests were significant for CHD (P < 0.01) and CVD (P < 0.05) but not for ASCVD, HF, and stroke). From external validation in 2 other cohorts, the DMRS outperformed current risk scores.

Conclusions

Our U.S. pooled cohort DMRS for predicting CVD events demonstrated good predictive performance for assessing CVD risk in adults with DM.

Intake of herring oil, but not of anchovy oil, resulted in a lower serum cholesterol concentration in male Zucker Diabetic Sprague Dawley rats

Patients with type 2 diabetes have increased risks for dyslipidaemia and subsequently for developing vascular complications. A recent meta-analysis found that cetoleic acid (C22:1n-11) rich fish oils resulted in lower cholesterol concentration in rodents. The aim was to investigate the effect of consuming fish oils with or without cetoleic acid on serum cholesterol concentration in diabetic rats and to elucidate any effects on cholesterol metabolism. Eighteen male Zucker Diabetic Sprague Dawley rats were fed diets containing herring oil (HERO) or anchovy oil (ANCO) or a control diet with soyabean oil for 5 weeks. The HERO diet contained 0·70 % cetoleic acid, with no cetoleic acid in the ANCO diet. The HERO and ANCO diets contained 0·35 and 0·37 wt% EPA + DHA, respectively. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA. The serum total cholesterol concentration was 14 % lower in the HERO group compared with ANCO and Control groups (P = 0·023). The HERO group had a higher faecal excretion of bile acids (P = 0·0036), but the cholesterol production in the liver, the hepatic secretion of VLDL and the liver's capacity to take up cholesterol were similar to controls. The ANCO diet did not affect the serum cholesterol concentration, but the hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis, the clearance of lipoprotein cholesterol and the excretion of bile acids in faeces were higher than in the Control group. To conclude, consumption of herring oil, but not of anchovy oil, led to a lower cholesterol concentration in a type 2 diabetes rat model.

[Acute coronary syndromes in diabetes mellitus : A comparative study between diabetics and non-diabetics patients in Senegalese urban environment]

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes Mellitus is a strong cardiovascular risk factor in which acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are thought to have a particular feature. We aimed to determine the characteristics of acute coronary syndromes in diabetics compared with non-diabetics patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a prospective, descriptive and analytical study comparing diabetic and non-diabetic patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome to the cardiology department of Idrissa Pouye general hospital over a period of one year by studying socio-demographic, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary parameters. We performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with chest pain and triple vessels disease.

RESULTS

Our study included 139 patients, 61 with diabetes (44%) and 78 without diabetes (56%). Among diabetics, there was a predominance of women (p = 0.0001) in contrast to non-diabetics. The mean age was 62.7 ± 10.8 years in diabetics and 56.9 ± 13.5 years in non-diabetics (p = 0.006). Chest pain was found in 88.5% of diabetics and 97.4% of non-diabetics (p = 0.03). The mean HbA1c in diabetics was 9.4 ± 3.3%. ST elevation acute coronary syndrome was predominant in both groups. The mean GRACE score was 147 ± 29 in diabetics and 132 ± 28 in non-diabetics (p = 0.003). In multivariable analysis, only diabetes was associated with triple vessels disease (aOR (IC à 95%): 2,60 (1.29-6.83); p = 0.042). A total of 31% of diabetics and 43% of nondiabetics undergoes cardiac revascularization. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of complications. The mortality was 6.6% and 3.8% respectively among diabetics and non-diabetics (p = 0.49).

CONCLUSION

According to our study, diabetes is frequently encountered during acute coronary syndromes. It also shows that diabetics are more likely to be female and older, with more atypical symptoms and more severe coronary disease.

Is inverse association between lipoprotein(a) and diabetes mellitus another paradox in cardiometabolic medicine?

INTRODUCTION

The impact of Type II Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) is well-established, while lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has recently emerged as a recognized CVD risk factor. The rising prevalence of T2DM resulting from modern lifestyles and the development of specific Lp(a)-lowering agents brought the association between T2DM and Lp(a) in the forefront.

AREAS COVERED

Despite advancements in T2DM treatment, diabetic patients remain at very-high risk of CVD. Lp(a) may, to some extent, contribute to the persistent CVD risk seen in diabetic patients, and the coexistence of T2DM and elevated Lp(a) levels appears to synergistically amplify overall CVD risk. The relationship between T2DM and Lp(a) is paradoxical. On one hand, high Lp(a) plasma concentrations elevate the risk of diabetic microvascular and macrovascular complications. On the other hand, low Lp(a) plasma concentrations have been linked to an increased risk of developing T2DM.

EXPERT OPINION

Comprehending the association between T2DM and Lp(a) is critical due to the pivotal roles both entities play in overall CVD risk, as well as the unique aspects of their relationship. The mechanisms underlying the inverse association between T2DM and Lp(a) remain incompletely understood, necessitating further meticulous research.

The Impact of Statin Therapy on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Diabetes: A Systematic Review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death all over the world, especially due to myocardial ischemia caused by atherosclerosis that blocks cardiac arteries and leads to arrhythmia and other cardiac diseases. Meanwhile, diabetes mellitus (DM) and elevated cholesterol level are the risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) disease. This noncommunicable disease has become a main concern for us as cardiovascular disease develops in a slow manner without any symptoms in the early stage. Early prevention and intervention have a major impact on improving the outcome of cardiovascular health in diabetic patients. Controlling cholesterol level by administering statin has shown some beneficial impacts in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with DM. This study used a systematic literature review (SLR) approach to give an overview of the current literature and to analyze the effects of statin therapy on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with DM. The literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The total number of articles included in the present review is six, obtained from reputable journals published between 2013 and 2023, and we only focused on reviewing six articles for in-depth analysis. The evidence we collected showed a positive outcome in terms of cardiovascular health in persons with DM after statin therapy. However, there are several risk factors that interfere with the effectiveness of statin in diabetic patients.

Menopause and diabetes

In the last 20 years, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has tripled in adults aged 20-79 years, affecting more than 25% of people over 50 years of age and especially women during menopause. After the menopause transition, women gain weight, increasing abdominal fat and decreasing lean body mass, with a significant reduction in energy expenditure. Increased insulin resistance and hyperinsulinism characterize this period, aggravated by an increase in plasma proinflammatory cytokines and free fatty acids, and a state of relative hyperandrogenism. Previous recommendations systematically excluded women with T2DM from menopause hormone therapy (MHT); new evidence confirms that MHT significantly reduces the diagnosis of new-onset T2DM and may be beneficial in terms of glycemic control when used for menopause symptom management in patients with pre-existing T2DM. A comprehensive and individualized approach is considered the first line of management for women during this period, especially in T2DM patients or in women at risk of developing the disease. The objectives of this presentation are to review the etiopathogenic factors involved in the increased incidence of new cases of T2DM during menopause, the impact of menopause on T2DM and the role of MHT.

Cardiovascular Risk Among Patients with Controlled and Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes: A Sub-Cohort Analysis from the Heart Health Promotion (HHP) Study

Objective

This study aimed to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) using the Framingham risk score (FRS) and to investigate the effect of DM control on CVD risk.

Methodology

A total of 2432 participants who had their glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measured within the last three months were included in this study. The study cohort was divided into three categories: non-diabetic, participants with controlled DM (HbA1c<7%), and uncontrolled DM (HbA1c≥7%). The World Health Organization's stepwise approach to chronic disease risk factor Surveillance-Instrument v2.1 was used in this study to collect the anthropometric and biochemical measurements. The Framingham Coronary Heart Risk Score (FRS) was used to calculate the 10-year cardiovascular risk (CVR). The groups were compared concerning the prevalence of metabolic, socioeconomic, and cardiac risks.

Results

Out of 2432 participants, 149 had controlled DM (6.1%), 286 had uncontrolled DM (11.8%), and 1997 participants were normoglycemic (82.1%). Compared to healthy participants, diabetic participants showed more high-risk characteristics across all CVR parameters. Uncontrolled diabetic patients had a graver laboratory and clinical profiles compared to the controlled DM group. As measured by FRS, nearly half of patients with controlled DM (49.9%) and two-thirds of patients with uncontrolled DM (63.3%) were classified as intermediate and high-risk compared to 4.6% of the healthy participants. Compared to healthy participants, patients with controlled DM showed a threefold increased CVR (OR = 3.02, 95% C.I. = 1.41-7.24) while this risk catapulted to 13 times among those with uncontrolled DM (OR = 13.57, 95% C.I. = 6.99-26.36).

Conclusion

Participants with DM are at moderate to high CVR. Individuals with uncontrolled DM showed higher CVR profiles as measured by FRS and have a higher prevalence of obesity, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity.

Role of Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Type 2 diabetes is a redox disease. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation induce a switch of metabolic homeostatic set points, leading to glucose intolerance. Several diabetes-specific mechanisms contribute to prominent oxidative distress in the heart, resulting in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Mitochondrial overproduction of reactive oxygen species in diabetic subjects is not only caused by intracellular hyperglycemia in the microvasculature but is also the result of increased fatty oxidation and lipotoxicity in cardiomyocytes. Mitochondrial overproduction of superoxide anion radicals induces, via inhibition of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, an increased polyol pathway flux, increased formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) and activation of the receptor for AGE (RAGE), activation of protein kinase C isoforms, and an increased hexosamine pathway flux. These pathways not only directly contribute to diabetic cardiomyopathy but are themselves a source of additional reactive oxygen species. Reactive oxygen species and oxidative distress lead to cell dysfunction and cellular injury not only via protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and oxidative changes in microRNAs but also via activation of stress-sensitive pathways and redox regulation. Investigations in animal models of diabetic cardiomyopathy have consistently demonstrated that increased expression of the primary antioxidant enzymes attenuates myocardial pathology and improves cardiac function.

Assessing the Validity of the Criteria for the Extreme Risk Category of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Objective

To validate the criteria for the extreme risk category for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Methods

An observational cohort study of 35,464 individuals with established ASCVD was performed using the National Health Information Database. Incident myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke, and death in patients with established ASCVD was investigated to validate the criteria for the extreme risk category of ASCVD defined as the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and history of premature ASCVD.

Results

Among 35,464 patients, 77.97% of them were classified into the extreme risk group of ASCVD. A total of 28.10%, 39.61%, and 32.12% had DM, CKD, and a history of premature ASCVD, respectively. During a mean follow-up of 8.39 years, MI, ischemic stroke, and all-cause death were found in 3.87%, 8.51%, and 23.98% of participants, respectively. In multivariate analysis, patients with DM had higher risk for MI (hazard ratio [HR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45–1.81), ischemic stroke (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.29–1.50), and all-cause death (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.45–1.59) than those without DM. Patients with CKD had 1.56 times higher risk for MI, 1.12 times higher risk for ischemic stroke, and 1.34 times higher risk for death than those without CKD. However, the risk for MI, ischemic stroke, and all-cause death was not different between patients with and without a history of premature ASCVD.

Conclusion

DM and CKD, but not a history of premature ASCVD, could be considered as reasonable criteria of an extreme risk for ASCVD.

Association of Cardiovascular Disease and Military Veteran Status With Impairments in Physical and Psychological Functioning: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis of US National Survey Data

INTRODUCTION

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides multidisciplinary team-based care with peer-to-peer support for diabetes and obesity, but not for most heart diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To inform disease-care models, assess physical and psychological functioning in veterans with, or at high risk of, heart disease.

METHODS

Retrospective, cross-sectional cohort analysis of data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2015-2019, based on standard measures of functioning: self-rated health, serious psychological distress, and high-risk substance use. Cohorts were veterans with respondent-reported heart disease, or at high risk of cardiovascular disease based on age/comorbidity combinations (HD/risk); nonveterans with HD/risk; and veterans without HD/risk. Ordinal logistic regression models adjusted for demographics, social determinants of health, and chronic conditions. A priori alpha was set to 0.01 because of large sample size (N = 28,314).

RESULTS

Among those with HD/risk, veterans (n = 3,483) and nonveterans (n = 16,438) had similar physical impairments, but distress trended higher among veterans (adjusted odds ratio = 1.36, 99% confidence interval [CI] = 0.99-1.86). Among those with comorbid HD/risk and behavioral health problems, regression-adjusted treatment rates were similar for veterans and nonveterans with psychological symptoms (55.9% vs. 55.2%, respectively, P = 0.531) or high-risk substance use (18.7% vs. 19.4%, P = .547); veterans were more likely to receive outpatient mental health treatment (36.1% [CI = 34.4%-37.8%] vs. 28.9% [CI = 28.2%-29.6%]).

CONCLUSION

An upward trend in distress among veterans compared with nonveterans with HD/risk was not explained by differences in behavioral health treatment utilization. Further research should test multidisciplinary team-based care for veterans with HD/risk, similar to that used for other chronic diseases.

Optimizing treatment goals for long-term health outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Considerable confusions on treatment target have resulted from recent changes in guidelines. Evidence in medical guidelines came from clinical trials with highly selected patients, whereas treatment goals may differ in some subgroups. This study aimed to assess optimal treatment goals (A1C, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)) for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which lead to optimal health outcomes by different treatment strategies.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted for veterans with T2DM by using US Veterans Affairs Administrative Database (2005-2015). Medical records were prepared for repeated evaluation performed at 6-month intervals and multivariate longitudinal regression was used to estimate the risk of microvascular and macrovascular complication events. Second-degree polynomial and splines were applied to identify the optimal goals in their associations with lowest risk of clinical outcomes, controlling for demographic characteristics, medical history, and medications.

RESULTS

A total of 124 651 patients with T2DM were selected, with mean of 6.72 follow-up years. In the general population, to achieve the lowest risk of microvascular and macrovascular complication, the optimal goals were A1C=6.81%, LDL-C=109.10 mg/dL; and A1C=6.76%, LDL-C=111.65 mg/dL, systolic blood pressure (SBP)=130.60 mmHg, respectively. The optimal goals differed between age and racial subgroups. Lower SBP for younger patients and lower LDL-C for black patients were associated with better health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal treatment goals were identified and multi-faceted treatment strategies targeting hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and hypertension may improve health outcome in veterans with T2DM. In addition to guidelines' recommended goals, health systems may examine their own large diverse patients with T2DM for better quality of care.

Inhibitory Action of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Leaf Extract on Pancreatic Lipase and α-Amylase Activities

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) remain the main cause of mortality globally. High cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) and high blood glucose (diabetes) are among the factors that increase the risk for CVDs. Application of inhibitors for the digestive enzymes accountable for the macronutrient hydrolysis, such as carbohydrates and fats, is one of the prevalent approaches in the development of medications against CVDs. The present study was performed to examine, &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt;, the lipase and amylase inhibitory potential of phenolic rich extract of leaves of four date palm cultivars. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; In the current study, the research investigated the potentiality of phytochemicals extracted from leaves of four date palm cultivars (Rawthan, Rabeaa, Barny and Ajwa), collected from Al-Madinah Governorate as lipase and amylase inhibitors and as antioxidants. Moreover, the total contents of flavonoids and phenolics were assessed. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The results revealed that all the tested cultivars showed promising lipase and amylase inhibition and antioxidants capacities. However, Rawthan and Ajwa were the most powerful cultivars. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Therefore, the results presented herein suggest as the earliest report, the potential use of date palm leaves as a potential source for lipase and amylase inhibitors as an approach to decrease the risk for CVDs.

Chances and risks of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in solid organ transplantation: A review of literatures

Solid organ transplantation offers life-saving treatment for patients with end-organ dysfunction. Patient survival and quality of life have improved over the past few decades as a result of pharmacological development, expansion of the donor pool, technological advances and standardization of practices related to transplantation. Still, transplantation is associated with cardiovascular complications, of which post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is one of the most important. PTDM increases mortality, which is best documented in patients who have received kidney and heart transplants. PTDM results from traditional risk factors seen in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but also from specific post-transplant risk factors such as metabolic side effects of immunosuppressive drugs, post-transplant viral infections and hypomagnesemia. Oral hypoglycaemic agents are the first choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in non-transplanted patients. However, the evidence on the safety and efficacy of oral hypoglycaemic agents in transplant recipients is limited. The favourable risk/benefit ratio, which is suggested by large-scale and long-term studies on new glucose-lowering drug classes such as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, makes studies warranted to assess the potential role of these agents in the management of PTDM.

Bempedoic Acid: The New Kid on the Block for the Treatment of Dyslipidemia and LDL Cholesterol: A Narrative Review

Diabetes is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in which dyslipidaemia plays a crucial role. Statins are first line therapy for primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD; however, adverse events include reversible musculoskeletal and liver side effects in addition to a diabetogenic association. In this short review, we provide a succinct narrative of the future role and current trial data of a novel first-in-class molecule, bempedoic acid. The authors provide their expert insight with a focus on Phase III randomised controlled trials (RCT) of bempedoic acid. Bempedoic acid was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in February and March 2020, respectively, and is a novel molecule which inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis in the same mechanistic pathway as statins. It is a first-in-class small molecule, delivered as a prodrug and administered as an oral, once-daily dose that decreases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Phase II and III RCTs have demonstrated efficacy with adequate safety data as mono- or combination therapy with statins and ezetimibe. Bempedoic acid is hepatically converted to the active drug with a lack of activation in skeletal muscle. Due to this novel mechanism, musculoskeletal-related adverse events exhibit a lower prevalence providing an alternative pharmacotherapy in statin-intolerant patients. Bempedoic acid may be used as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy or in statin-intolerant patients for the treatment of dyslipidaemia. The recent National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (UK) technology appraisal guidance [TA694] published in April 2021 recommended bempedoic acid with ezetimibe as a treatment option for primary hypercholesterolaemia or mixed dyslipidaemia if statins are not tolerated or contraindicated and if there is inadequate control of LDL-C with ezetimibe alone. Additionally, outcomes trials evaluating 'hard' endpoints in statin-intolerant patients or those with ASCVD are currently underway.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Outcomes by Levels of Baseline-Predicted Cardiovascular Risk: The Look AHEAD Study

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the associations of cardiorespiratory fitness with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by levels of baseline-predicted ASCVD risk among adults with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 4203 adults with type 2 diabetes in the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) study. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using maximal exercise testing and categorized into low, moderate, and high; baseline-predicted. ASCVD risk was calculated using the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Pooled Cohort Equation. We used Cox regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for ASCVD events (fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke).

RESULTS

Over a median of 9.6 years, there were 295 ASCVD events. The effect of fitness on outcomes was different across levels of 10-year predicted ASCVD risk (P for interaction < .001). Among participants with a baseline-predicted risk of 7.5% to 20%, the HR of low (vs high) fitness group was 1.94 (95% CI, 1.12-3.35) for ASCVD events. Fitness was not significantly associated with ASCVD events in the groups with baseline-predicted risk <7.5% (HR 1.53; 95% CI, 0.49-4.76) or ≥20% (HR 1.40; 95% CI, 0.88-2.24). A similar pattern was observed for myocardial infarction and stroke separately.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large sample of type 2 diabetes individuals, the association of low fitness with incident ASCVD was modified by the baseline-predicted 10-year ASCVD risk. Our findings suggest the utility of assessing fitness in ASCVD risk stratification in type 2 diabetes, especially among those with intermediate predicted 10-year risk of ASCVD.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis in stable coronary artery disease combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus influences cardiovascular prognosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Host-microbiota interactions involving metabolic pathways have been linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease and type 2 diabetes. As stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) patients combined with type 2 diabetes have significantly increased risk for cardiac event, we focused on elucidating the role of microbiota affecting cardiometabolic disease development.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used multi-omics analyses (metagenomics and metabolomics) of fecal and serum samples from a prospective cohort including stable coronary artery disease combined with diabetes mellitus (SCAD + T2DM, n = 38), SCAD (n = 71), and healthy control (HC, n = 55). We linked microbiome features to disease severity in a three-pronged association analysis and identified prognostic bacterial biomarkers. We identified that bacterial and metabolic signatures varied significantly between SCAD and SCAD + T2DM groups. SCAD + T2DM individuals were characterized by increased levels of aromatic amino acids and carbohydrates, which correlate with a gut microbiome with enriched biosynthetic potential. Our study also addressed how metformin may confound gut dysbiosis and increase the potential for nitrogen metabolism. In addition, we found that specific bacterial taxa Ruminococcus torques [HR: 2.363 (08-4.56), P = 0.03] was predictive of cardiac survival outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our study identified relationships between features of the gut microbiota (GM) and circulating metabolites, providing a new direction for future studies aiming to understand the host-GM interplay in atherosclerotic cardiovascular pathogenesis.

Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

INTRODUCTION

It is unclear whether the increased risk associated with diabetes in patients on dialysis is due to diabetes or a consequence of associated cardiovascular disease (CVD).

AIM

The purpose of this work was to answer the question: do diabetes and CVD have a similar impact on the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis?

METHODS

A prespecified protocol was used to prospectively evaluate and follow up 310 diabetic patients on hemodialysis without clinical evidence of CVD and 395 nondiabetic patients with CVD. Endpoint was the incidence of composite CV events and coronary events.

RESULTS

The incidence of composite CV events (log-rank = 0.540) and coronary events (log-rank = 0.400) did not differ between groups. Because of the potential influence of occult CVD in patients with diabetes, we repeated the analysis excluding subjects with altered ejection fraction, a myocardial perfusion scan defect, and coronary artery disease in the group of patients with diabetes. Again we found no difference between groups (log-rank = 0.657).

CONCLUSION

In patients on hemodialysis, diabetes and CVD carry similar risks for CV events. These results are congruent with the diabetes mellitus-CVD equivalence risk concept reported in the general population.

Extreme Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Risk Recognition

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To distinguish extreme and very high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event risk based on prospective epidemiological studies and clinical trial results.

RECENT FINDINGS

Clinical practice guidelines have categorized patients with either a history of one or more "clinical ASCVD" events or "coronary heart disease (CHD) risk equivalency" to be at "very high risk" for a recurrence or a first event, respectively. A 20% or greater 10-year ASCVD risk for a composite 3-point "major" atherosclerotic cardiovascular event (MACE) of non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non-fatal stroke, or cardiovascular death can serve as an arbitrary definition of those at "very high risk." Exclusion of stroke may underestimate risk of "hard" endpoint 10-year ASCVD risk and addition of other potential endpoints, e.g., hospital admission for unstable angina or revascularization, a 5-point composite MACE, may overinflate the risk definitions and categorization. "Extreme" risk, a descriptor for even higher morbidity and mortality potential, defines a 30% or greater 10-year 3-point MACE (ASCVD) risk. In prospective, epidemiological studies and randomized clinical trial (RCT) participants with an initial acute coronary syndrome (ACS) within several months of entry into the study meet the inclusion criteria assignment for extreme risk. In survivors beyond the first year of an ASCVD event, "extreme" risk persists when one or more comorbidities are present, including diabetes, heart failure (HF), stage 3 or higher chronic kidney disease (CKD), familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), and poorly controlled major risk factors such as hypertension and persistent tobaccoism. "Extreme" risk particularly applies to those with progressive or multiple clinical ASCVD events in the same artery, same arterial bed, or polyvascular sites, including unstable angina and transient ischemic events. Identifying asymptomatic individuals with extensive subclinical ASCVD at "extreme" risk is a challenge, as risk engine assessment may not be adequate; individuals with genetic FH or those with diabetes and Agatston coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores greater than 1000 exemplify such threatening settings and opportunities for aggressive primary prevention. Heterogeneity exists among individuals at risk for clinical ASCVD events; identifying those at "extreme" risk, a more ominous ASCVD category, associated with greater morbidity and mortality, should prompt the most effective global cardiometabolic risk reduction.

First-line treatment algorithm and guidelines in center-involving diabetic macular edema

Management of center-involving diabetic macular edema represents a real therapeutic challenge. Diabetic macular edema is the leading cause of visual acuity impairment in diabetic patients. Since the advent of intravitreal drugs, management of diabetic macular edema has significantly evolved. The historical grid laser photocoagulation is no longer recommended as first-line treatment of diabetic macular edema owing to the findings of the pivotal randomized controlled trials, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy has emerged as first-line therapy. Steroids also represent a valid treatment option in the management of naïve diabetic macular edema and their efficacy has also been confirmed in several studies. The optimal treatment for diabetic macular edema should consider both general and ophthalmological comorbidities. Patient compliance and motivation should also be carefully evaluated as some treatments require monthly follow-up. Based on recent literature evidence, the present review provides clinicians with a first-line treatment algorithm for center-involving diabetic macular edema tailored to the patient’s individual characteristics.

Risk of heart failure in a population with type 2 diabetes versus a population without diabetes with and without coronary heart disease

AIMS

To conduct a population-based study comparing age- and sex-specific risk estimates of heart failure (HF) between people with type 2 diabetes and people without diabetes, and to investigate the risks of HF in association with type 2 diabetes in people with various coronary heart diseases (CHDs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a nationally representative sample (one million people) selected from Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) system. A total of 34 291 patients with type 2 diabetes were identified from ambulatory care claims in 2000, and the same number of age- and sex-matched controls were randomly selected from the registry of NHI beneficiaries in the same year. All study subjects were linked to inpatient claims (2000-2013) to identify the possible admissions for HF. Using a Cox proportional hazard regression model, we compared the relative hazards of HF in relation to type 2 diabetes according to various age and sex stratifications. We also compared the relative hazard of HF between type 2 diabetes and controls, with and without histories of various CHDs and coronary revascularization procedures.

RESULTS

Compared with absence of diabetes (control group), type 2 diabetes was significantly associated with an increased hazard of HF (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40-1.54]. In both sexes, those with type 2 diabetes aged <45 years had the highest increased hazard of HF, with an aHR of 2.54 (95% CI 1.62-3.98) and 4.12 (95% CI 2.35-7.23) for men and women, respectively. Compared with the control subjects without any CHD, people with type 2 diabetes without prior CHD had increased hazards of HF (aHR 1.54, 95% CI 1.41-1.68, in men and aHR 1.56, 95% CI 1.43-1.71, in women), which were similar to the aHRs for people without diabetes who had histories of heart diseases (aHR 1.60 and 1.55 for men and women, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes mellitus may increase the risk of HF in both men and women, as well as in all age groups, especially in young people. People with type 2 diabetes without CHD had a similarly increased risk of HF to that of control subjects with CHD. Certain coronary revascularization procedures and CHDs, including percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography, coronary artery bypass surgery and acute myocardial infarction, were found to greatly increase risk of HF in people with type 2 diabetes.

The Evolving Cardiovascular Disease Risk Scores for Persons with Diabetes Mellitus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We briefly introduce the concept and use of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk scores and review the methodology for CVD risk score development and validation in patients with diabetes. We also discuss CVD risk scores for diabetic patients that have been developed in different countries.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients with diabetes have a gradient of CVD risk that needs to be accurately assessed. Numerous CVD risk scores for diabetic patients have been created in various settings. The methods to develop risk scores are highly diverse and each choice has its own pros and cons. A well-constructed risk score for diabetic patients may be advocated by guidelines and adopted by healthcare providers to help determine preventive strategies. New risk factors are being investigated in order to improve the predictive accuracy of current risk scores. A suitable CVD risk score for the diabetes population should be accurate, low-cost, and beneficial to outcome. While the performance (accuracy) has all been internally validated, validation on external populations is still needed. Cost-effectiveness and clinical trials demonstrating improvement in outcomes are limited and should be the target of future research.

Use of Vascular Assessments and Novel Biomarkers to Predict Cardiovascular Events in Type 2 Diabetes: The SUMMIT VIP Study

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction represents an increasing clinical challenge in the treatment of diabetes. We used a panel of vascular imaging, functional assessments, and biomarkers reflecting different disease mechanisms to identify clinically useful markers of risk for cardiovascular (CV) events in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with or without manifest CVD.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study cohort consisted of 936 subjects with T2D recruited at four European centers. Carotid intima-media thickness and plaque area, ankle-brachial pressure index, arterial stiffness, endothelial function, and circulating biomarkers were analyzed at baseline, and CV events were monitored during a 3-year follow-up period.

RESULTS

The CV event rate in subjects with T2D was higher in those with (n = 440) than in those without (n = 496) manifest CVD at baseline (5.53 vs. 2.15/100 life-years, P < 0.0001). New CV events in subjects with T2D with manifest CVD were associated with higher baseline levels of inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin 6, chemokine ligand 3, pentraxin 3, and hs-CRP) and endothelial mitogens (hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor A), whereas CV events in subjects with T2D without manifest CVD were associated with more severe baseline atherosclerosis (median carotid plaque area 30.4 mm² [16.1-92.2] vs. 19.5 mm² [9.5-40.5], P = 0.01). Conventional risk factors, as well as measurements of arterial stiffness and endothelial reactivity, were not associated with CV events.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations demonstrate that markers of inflammation and endothelial stress reflect CV risk in subjects with T2D with manifest CVD, whereas the risk for CV events in subjects with T2D without manifest CVD is primarily related to the severity of atherosclerosis.

Statins for primary prevention of cardiovascular events and mortality in old and very old adults with and without type 2 diabetes: retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether statin treatment is associated with a reduction in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in old and very old adults with and without diabetes.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Database of the Catalan primary care system (SIDIAP), Spain, 2006-15.

PARTICIPANTS

46 864 people aged 75 years or more without clinically recognised atherosclerotic CVD. Participants were stratified by presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and as statin non-users or new users.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidences of atherosclerotic CVD and all cause mortality compared using Cox proportional hazards modelling, adjusted by the propensity score of statin treatment. The relation of age with the effect of statins was assessed using both a categorical approach, stratifying the analysis by old (75-84 years) and very old (≥85 years) age groups, and a continuous analysis, using an additive Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

The cohort included 46 864 participants (mean age 77 years; 63% women; median follow-up 5.6 years). In participants without diabetes, the hazard ratios for statin use in 75-84 year olds were 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.86 to 1.04) for atherosclerotic CVD and 0.98 (0.91 to 1.05) for all cause mortality, and in those aged 85 and older were 0.93 (0.82 to 1.06) and 0.97 (0.90 to 1.05), respectively. In participants with diabetes, the hazard ratio of statin use in 75-84 year olds was 0.76 (0.65 to 0.89) for atherosclerotic CVD and 0.84 (0.75 to 0.94) for all cause mortality, and in those aged 85 and older were 0.82 (0.53 to 1.26) and 1.05 (0.86 to 1.28), respectively. Similarly, effect analysis of age in a continuous scale, using splines, corroborated the lack of beneficial statins effect for atherosclerotic CVD and all cause mortality in participants without diabetes older than 74 years. In participants with diabetes, statins showed a protective effect against atherosclerotic CVD and all cause mortality; this effect was substantially reduced beyond the age of 85 years and disappeared in nonagenarians.

CONCLUSIONS

In participants older than 74 years without type 2 diabetes, statin treatment was not associated with a reduction in atherosclerotic CVD or in all cause mortality, even when the incidence of atherosclerotic CVD was statistically significantly higher than the risk thresholds proposed for statin use. In the presence of diabetes, statin use was statistically significantly associated with reductions in the incidence of atherosclerotic CVD and in all cause mortality. This effect decreased after age 85 years and disappeared in nonagenarians.

Peripheral vascular disease risk in diabetic individuals without coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diabetes mellitus is a coronary heart disease (CHD) risk-equivalent for the outcome of peripheral vascular disease. The impact of diabetes with comorbid risk factors on the outcome of peripheral vascular disease remains unexplored.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of participants in Lifeline Vascular Screening Inc. age 40-90 who were screened for peripheral vascular disease, defined as lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD, ABI <0.9) and/or carotid artery stenosis (CAS, internal CAS ≥50%). CHD was defined as prior myocardial infarction or revascularization. Risk factors included hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and family history of cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

Among 3,517,804 participants, PAD and CAS was identified in 4.4% and 3.7%, respectively. Diabetes was identified in 376,528 participants, 324,680 (86%) of whom did not have CHD. Among diabetic participants without CHD, prevalence of PAD increased with 1-2 (4.3%), 3-4 (7.3%), and ≥5 (12.0%) comorbid risk factors (p trend < 0.0001). The pattern was similar for CAS (3.7%, 6.2%, 8.8%, p trend < 0.0001). Compared to participants without diabetes, those with diabetes and 1-2, 3-4 and ≥5 risk factors had increasing odds of PAD and CAS after adjustment for age, sex and race/ethnicity (1.0, 95% CI 0.98-1.06; 1.8, 95% CI 1.8-1.89; 3.5, 95% CI 3.43-3.64, respectively, p trend < 0.0001). By comparison, in nondiabetic participants, CHD increased odds of PAD and CAS by 2-fold (2.06, 95% CI 2.02-2.1; 2.19, 95% CI 2.15-2.23 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes, particularly with comorbid risk factors, confers increased odds of PAD and CAS, even in the absence of CHD. Counseling regarding screening and prevention for peripheral vascular disease among individuals with diabetes and multiple risk factors may be useful.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure: a position statement from the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology

The coexistence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure (HF), either with reduced (HFrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), is frequent (30-40% of patients) and associated with a higher risk of HF hospitalization, all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality. The most important causes of HF in T2DM are coronary artery disease, arterial hypertension and a direct detrimental effect of T2DM on the myocardium. T2DM is often unrecognized in HF patients, and vice versa, which emphasizes the importance of an active search for both disorders in the clinical practice. There are no specific limitations to HF treatment in T2DM. Subanalyses of trials addressing HF treatment in the general population have shown that all HF therapies are similarly effective regardless of T2DM. Concerning T2DM treatment in HF patients, most guidelines currently recommend metformin as the first-line choice. Sulphonylureas and insulin have been the traditional second- and third-line therapies although their safety in HF is equivocal. Neither glucagon-like preptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, nor dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors reduce the risk for HF hospitalization. Indeed, a DPP4 inhibitor, saxagliptin, has been associated with a higher risk of HF hospitalization. Thiazolidinediones (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone) are contraindicated in patients with (or at risk of) HF. In recent trials, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, empagliflozin and canagliflozin, have both shown a significant reduction in HF hospitalization in patients with established CV disease or at risk of CV disease. Several ongoing trials should provide an insight into the effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with HFrEF and HFpEF in the absence of T2DM.

[Prevention of cardiovascular diseases]

The incidence of cardiovascular diseases can be reduced by the early detection and targeted treatment of risk factors and subclinical forms of the disease. Primary prevention provides several opportunities for successful interventions. In addition to a drug-based therapy, especially life style-modifying measures, such as physical activity, normalization of body weight, consistent nicotine abstinence and the consideration of psychosocial aspects represent core components of prevention programs. Healthcare data indicate that risk factors still often remain undetected and that the full potential of risk factor management has not yet been fully exploited at a population level. Especially motivation of patients and adherence to therapy represent key elements of successful prevention efforts.

Prognostic Assessment of Diabetics Using Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Diabetes Mellitus is Still a Coronary Artery Disease Equivalent

Background

Even though diabetes mellitus (DM) has been considered a "Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) equivalent", that is still controversial, especially in a contemporary population subject to optimized treatment.

Objective

We aimed to assess the cardiovascular risk of diabetics by myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS).

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent MPS from 2008 to 2012 were studied. Perfusion scores were calculated, and abnormal MPS was defined as a summed stress score >3. Patients were followed for 3±1 years for all-cause death, which was compared between patients with DM (without known CAD) and patients with known CAD but without DM.

Results

Among 3409 patients, 471 (13.8%) were diabetics without known CAD (DM group) and 638 (18.7%) had CAD without diabetes (CAD group). Annualized death rates were not significantly different between DM or CAD patients (0.9 vs 1.5%, p=0.09). With normal MPS, death rates were 0.7% for DM and 0.6% for CAD (p=0.8). With abnormal MPS, death rates increased similarly in the DM and CAD groups.

Conclusions

In diabetic patients without known CAD, the rate of death was not significantly different from patients with prior CAD and without DM. Abnormal MPS increased risk similarly in diabetic patients and in those with CAD. These findings suggest that DM may still be considered a high-risk condition, comparable to known CAD, and effectively stratified by MPS.

Serum cystatin C is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the serum cystatin C level and cardiovascular disease risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We studied 523 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and calculated estimated 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (%). Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity ⩾1700 ms, indicating the presence of arterial stiffness.

RESULTS

Cystatin C level was significantly higher in the subclinical atherosclerosis group (brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity ⩾ 1700 ms) than in the non-subclinical atherosclerosis group (brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity < 1700 ms) (7.54 ± 3.15 mg/L vs 10.04 ± 5.12 mg/L, p < 0.001). Subclinical atherosclerosis was mainly determined by age, duration of diabetes and cystatin C level, but not by serum creatinine, 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease score and estimated glomerular filtration rate in the multiple linear regression analysis. In addition, an increase in cystatin C level was independently associated with the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis after adjusting for age, sex, duration of diabetes, smoking, hypertension, 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score, serum creatinine level, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and haemoglobin A1c (odds ratio = 1.200, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.38, p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Serum cystatin C level was significantly associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. This result suggests that an increase in cystatin C level could be a valuable surrogate marker for the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Novel Biomarkers for Predicting Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Diabetes

It is generally acknowledged that patients with diabetes comprise a high-risk population for the development of cardiovascular disease. However, it is perhaps less well recognized that there actually exists considerable heterogeneity in vascular risk within this patient population, with a sizable subset of individuals seemingly at low risk for major cardiovascular events despite the presence of diabetes. Because traditional clinical risk calculators have shown wide variability in their performance in the setting of diabetes, there exists a need for additional risk predictors in this patient population. In this context, there has been considerable interest in the potential utility of circulating biomarkers as clinical tools that might facilitate risk stratification and thereby guide therapeutic and preventative decision-making. Coupled with the current era of dedicated cardiovascular outcome trials in type 2 diabetes, this interest has spawned a growing literature of recent studies that evaluated potential biomarkers. To date, these studies have identified N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity cardiac troponins, and growth differentiation factor-15 as cardiovascular biomarkers of particular potential in patients with diabetes. Furthermore, recognizing the potential benefit of collective consideration of different biomarkers reflecting distinct pathophysiologic processes that might contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, there is emerging emphasis on the evaluation of combinations of biomarkers for optimal risk prediction. Although not currently ready for clinical practice, this rapidly-growing topic of biomarker research might ultimately facilitate the goal of individualized risk stratification and thereby enable truly personalized management of diabetes.

Residual Risk Factors to Predict Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus

A prospective observational study was conducted to investigate the residual risk factors to predict recurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients with a high prevalence under lipid-lowering therapy, particularly in the subpopulations of diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. A total of 5,483 adults (with a mean age of 66.4 and 73.3% male) with established coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral artery disease were identified from the T-SPARCLE multi-center registry. Of them, 38.6% had diabetes. The residual risk factors for MACE are divergent in these atherosclerotic patients with and without diabetes. In diabetic subpopulation, the risk of MACE was significantly increased with heart failure (HF), chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4-5 (vs. stage 1-2), without beta blocker use, and higher non-HDL-C, after controlling for covariates including statin use and the intensity of therapy. Increased LDL-C and TG levels were also associated with increased risk, but to a much less extent. Among nondiabetic individuals, HF, CKD stage 4-5, and history of myocardial infarction were the significant independent predictors of MACE. It is suggested that ASCVD patients with concomitant diabetes need stricter control of lipid, particularly non-HDL-C levels, to reduce cardiovascular risk when on statin therapy.

Target organ damage and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus: the Strong Heart Study

BACKGROUND

Recent analyses in a registry of hypertensive patients suggested that preceding left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) and/or carotid atherosclerosis are associated with incident type 2 diabetes, independent of confounders. We assess the relation between prevalent cardio-renal target organ damage (TOD) and subsequent incident type 2 diabetes in a population-based study with high prevalence of obesity.

METHODS

We selected 2887 non-diabetic participants from two cohorts of the Strong Heart Study (SHS). Clinical exam, laboratory tests and echocardiograms were performed. Adjudicated TODs were LVH, left atrium (LA) dilatation, and high urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify variables responsible for the association between initial TODs and incident diabetes at 4-year follow-up (FU).

RESULTS

After 4 years, 297 new cases of diabetes (10%) were identified, 216 of whom exhibited baseline impaired fasting glucose (IFG, 73%, p < 0.0001). Participants developing type 2 diabetes exhibited higher inflammatory markers, fat-free mass and adipose mass and higher prevalence of initial LVH and LA dilatation than those without (both p < 0.04). In multivariable logistic regression, controlling for age, sex, family relatedness, presence of arterial hypertension and IFG, all three indicators of TOD predicted incident diabetes (all p < 0.01). However, the effects of TOD was offset when body fat and inflammatory markers were introduced into the model.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population-based study with high prevalence of obesity, TOD precedes clinical appearance of type 2 diabetes and is related to the preceding metabolic status, body composition and inflammatory status. Trial registration Trial registration number: NCT00005134, Name of registry: Strong Heart Study, URL of registry: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00005134, Date of registration: May 25, 2000, Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: September 1988.

Cardiovascular risk assessment and screening in diabetes

Diabetes used to be considered as a coronary heart disease equivalence and universally classified high cardiovascular risk population. However increasing epidemiological evidence now indicates the heterogeneity of risk among the diabetic patients and imposes animportance of stratifying those with relative low-risk from high-risk ones. Despite the existing risk assessment tools, current cardivoascualr disease prevention guidelines fail to provide more detailed stratification strategies for patient with diabetes and expose them to either overtreatment or undertreatment. On the other hand, various screening modality, including novel biomarkers and subclinical asthrosclerosis scanning, including coronary calcium scanning, carotid intima-media thickness, myocardial perfusion imaging and coronary computed tomography angiography, have provided very promising usage is risk stratification. With better developed test techniques and more extensive evidence, these modalities may serve in standardized screening algorithm to improve the cardiovascular risk assessment of patients with diabetes and better instruct their individualized preventive therapy.

Diabetes mellitus is a coronary heart disease risk equivalent for peripheral vascular disease

Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is associated with significantly increased risk of peripheral vascular disease. Diabetes is classified as a coronary heart disease (CHD) risk equivalent, but it is unknown whether diabetes is a CHD risk equivalent for peripheral vascular disease. The objective was to evaluate the odds of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or carotid artery stenosis (CAS) among participants with diabetes, CHD, or both, compared with participants without diabetes or CHD, in a nationwide vascular screening database. We hypothesized that diabetes and CHD would confer similar odds of PAD and CAS.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of all eligible Life Line Screening Inc participants age 30 to 90 years with ankle brachial indices for PAD (ankle brachial index <0.9 in either leg) and carotid artery duplex ultrasonographic imaging for CAS (internal CAS ≥50%) was performed (N=3,522,890).

RESULTS

Diabetes and CHD were present in 372,330 (10.7%) and 182,760 (5.8%) of participants, respectively; PAD and CAS were present in 155,000 (4.4%) and 130,347 (3.7%) of participants. After multivariable adjustment, PAD odds were 1.56 (95% CI 1.54-1.59) and 1.69 (95% CI 1.65-1.73) for participants with diabetes or CHD, respectively. Participants with both diabetes and CHD had 2.75-fold increased odds of PAD (95% CI 2.66-2.85). Findings were similar for CAS; compared with no diabetes or CHD, CAS odds increased for participants with diabetes alone (1.53, 95% CI 1.50-1.56), CHD alone (1.72, 95% CI 1.68-1.76), and both diabetes and CHD (2.57, 95% CI 2.49-2.66). Findings were consistent for women and men.

CONCLUSION

In a large database of more than 3.5 million self-referred participants, diabetes was a CHD risk equivalent for PAD and CAS, and participants with comorbid diabetes and CHD had an especially robust association with PAD and CAS. Counseling regarding screening and prevention of peripheral vascular disease may be useful for patients with diabetes.

Effect of diabetes and metabolic syndrome on myocardial mechano-energetic efficiency in hypertensive patients. The Campania Salute Network

Reduced myocardial mechano-energetic efficiency (MEE), estimated as stroke volume/heart rate ratio per g of left ventricular (LV) mass (LVM), and expressed in μl s^-1 g^-1 (MEEi), is a strong predictor of cardiovascular (CV) events, independently of LV hypertrophy and other confounders, including type II diabetes (DM). Decreased MEEi is more frequent in patients with diabetes. In the present analysis we evaluated the interrelation among MEEi, DM and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the setting of arterial hypertension. Hypertensive patients from the Campania Salute Network, free of prevalent CV disease and with ejection fraction >50% (n=12 503), were analysed. Coexistence of MetS and DM was ordinally categorized into 4 groups: 8235 patients with neither MetS nor DM (MetS-/DM-); 502 without MetS and with DM (MetS-/DM+); 3045 with MetS and without DM (MetS+/DM-); and 721 with MetS and DM (MetS+/DM+). After controlling for sex, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, relative wall thickness (RWT), antihypertensive medications and type of antidiabetic therapy, MEEi was 333 μl s^-1 g^-1 in MetS-/DM-, 328 in MetS-/DM+, 326 in MetS+/DM- and 319 in MetS+/DM+ (P for trend <0.0001). In pairwise comparisons (Sidak-adjusted), all conditions, except MetS-/DM+, were significantly different from MetS-/DM- (all P<0.02). No statistical difference was detected between MetS-/DM+ and MetS+/DM-. Both MetS and DM are associated with decreased MEEi in hypertensive patients, independently to each other, but the reduction is statistically less evident for MetS-/DM+. MetS+/DM+ patients have the lowest levels of MEEi, consistent with the alterations of energy supply associated with the combination of insulin resistance with insulin deficiency.

Diabetes, diabetes severity, and coronary heart disease risk equivalence: REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS)

BACKGROUND

Evidence is mixed regarding whether diabetes confers equivalent risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) as prevalent CHD. We investigated whether diabetes and severe diabetes are CHD risk equivalents.

METHODS

At baseline, participants in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study (black and white US adults ≥45 years old recruited in 2003-2007) were categorized as having prevalent CHD only (self-reported or electrocardiogram evidence; n = 3,043), diabetes only (self-reported or elevated glucose; n = 4,012), diabetes and prevalent CHD (n = 1,529), and neither diabetes nor prevalent CHD (n = 17,155). Participants with diabetes using insulin and/or with albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g) were categorized as having severe diabetes. Participants were followed up through 2011 for CHD events (myocardial infarction or fatal CHD).

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 5 years, 1,385 CHD events occurred. The hazard ratios of CHD events comparing participants with diabetes only, diabetes, and prevalent CHD and neither diabetes nor prevalent CHD with those with prevalent CHD were 0.65 (95% CI 0.54-0.77), 1.54 (95% CI 1.30-1.83), and 0.41 (95% CI 0.35-0.47), respectively, after adjustment for demographics and risk factors. Compared with participants with prevalent CHD, the hazard ratio of CHD events for participants with severe diabetes was 0.88 (95% CI 0.72-1.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Participants with diabetes had lower risk of CHD events than did those with prevalent CHD. However, participants with severe diabetes had similar risk to those with prevalent CHD. Diabetes severity may need consideration when deciding whether diabetes is a CHD risk equivalent.

Clinical Update: Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes Mellitus: Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Failure in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - Mechanisms, Management, and Clinical Considerations

Cardiovascular disease remains the principal cause of death and disability among patients with diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus exacerbates mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis and heart failure. Unfortunately, these mechanisms are not adequately modulated by therapeutic strategies focusing solely on optimal glycemic control with currently available drugs or approaches. In the setting of multifactorial risk reduction with statins and other lipid-lowering agents, antihypertensive therapies, and antihyperglycemic treatment strategies, cardiovascular complication rates are falling, yet remain higher for patients with diabetes mellitus than for those without. This review considers the mechanisms, history, controversies, new pharmacological agents, and recent evidence for current guidelines for cardiovascular management in the patient with diabetes mellitus to support evidence-based care in the patient with diabetes mellitus and heart disease outside of the acute care setting.

Novel Biomarkers to Improve the Prediction of Cardiovascular Event Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the ability of 23 novel biomarkers representing several pathophysiological pathways to improve the prediction of cardiovascular event (CVE) risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus beyond traditional risk factors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used data from 1002 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from the Second Manifestations of ARTertial disease (SMART) study and 288 patients from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-NL (EPIC-NL). The associations of 23 biomarkers (adiponectin, C-reactive protein, epidermal-type fatty acid binding protein, heart-type fatty acid binding protein, basic fibroblast growth factor, soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and -3, matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide, osteopontin, osteonectin, osteocalcin, placental growth factor, serum amyloid A, E-selectin, P-selectin, tissue inhibitor of MMP-1, thrombomodulin, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor) with CVE risk were evaluated by using Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusting for traditional risk factors. The incremental predictive performance was assessed with use of the c-statistic and net reclassification index (NRI; continuous and based on 10-year risk strata 0-10%, 10-20%, 20-30%, >30%). A multimarker model was constructed comprising those biomarkers that improved predictive performance in both cohorts. N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide, osteopontin, and MMP-3 were the only biomarkers significantly associated with an increased risk of CVE and improved predictive performance in both cohorts. In SMART, the combination of these biomarkers increased the c-statistic with 0.03 (95% CI 0.01-0.05), and the continuous NRI was 0.37 (95% CI 0.21-0.52). In EPIC-NL, the multimarker model increased the c-statistic with 0.03 (95% CI 0.00-0.03), and the continuous NRI was 0.44 (95% CI 0.23-0.66). Based on risk strata, the NRI was 0.12 (95% CI 0.03-0.21) in SMART and 0.07 (95% CI -0.04-0.17) in EPIC-NL.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the 23 evaluated biomarkers from different pathophysiological pathways, N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide, osteopontin, MMP-3, and their combination improved CVE risk prediction in 2 separate cohorts of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus beyond traditional risk factors. However, the number of patients reclassified to a different risk stratum was limited.

Coronary CT Angiography Versus Standard Emergency Department Evaluation for Acute Chest Pain and Diabetic Patients: Is There Benefit With Early Coronary CT Angiography? Results of the Randomized Comparative Effectiveness ROMICAT II Trial

Background

Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) reduces emergency department length of stay compared with standard evaluation in patients with low‐ and intermediate‐risk acute chest pain. Whether diabetic patients have similar benefits is unknown.

Methods and Results

In this prespecified analysis of the Rule Out Myocardial Ischemia/Infarction by Computer Assisted Tomography (ROMICAT II) multicenter trial, we randomized 1000 patients (17% diabetic) with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome to CCTA or standard evaluation. The rate of acute coronary syndrome was 8% in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients (P=1.0). Length of stay was unaffected by the CCTA strategy for diabetic patients (23.9 versus 27.2 hours, P=0.86) but was reduced for nondiabetic patients compared with standard evaluation (8.4 versus 26.5 hours, P<0.0001; P interaction=0.004). CCTA resulted in 3‐fold more direct emergency department discharge in both groups (each P≤0.0001, P interaction=0.27). No difference in hospital admissions was seen between the 2 strategies in diabetic and nondiabetic patients (P interaction=0.09). Both groups had more downstream testing and higher radiation doses with CCTA, but these were highest in diabetic patients (all P interaction≤0.04). Diabetic patients had fewer normal CCTAs than nondiabetic patients (32% versus 50%, P=0.003) and similar normalcy rates with standard evaluation (P=0.70). Notably, 66% of diabetic patients had no or mild stenosis by CCTA with short length of stay comparable to that of nondiabetic patients (P=0.34), whereas those with >50% stenosis had a high prevalence of acute coronary syndrome, invasive coronary angiography, and revascularization.

Conclusions

Knowledge of coronary anatomy with CCTA is beneficial for diabetic patients and can discriminate between lower risk patients with no or little coronary artery disease who can be discharged immediately and higher risk patients with moderate to severe disease who warrant further workup.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT01084239.

[Cardiovascular prevention in diabetes mellitus: A multifactorial challenge]

Patients with type2 diabetes mellitus have a high to very high cardiovascular risk, and often have other associated risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity and dyslipidaemia. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. An integrated control of all risk factors in patients with diabetes is essential for minimising the risk of macrovascular complications. Given the benefits of the multifactorial intervention strategies for cardiovascular prevention in diabetic patients, a review is presented on the therapeutic goals established for each risk factor in diabetes and the benefits of their control.

[Achievement of cardiovascular goals in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with and without cardiovascular disease]

AIMS

To determine the proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes with and without cardiovascular disease achieving the main cardiovascular goals.

METHODS

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

A regional health district in a European country, Spain. Year: 2013.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with and without cardiovascular disease.

MEASUREMENTS

Study using secondary data obtained from electronic records of clinical history. Haemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, smoking and medication were covered. n=49,658 RESULTS: The proportion of patients with diabetes achieving cardiovascular goals (among those with recent measurement) was: haemoglobin A1c 68.8% (CI95%:68.2%-69.4%), blood pressure 74.3% (CI95%:73.9%-74.7%), LDL cholesterol 59.8% (CI95%:59.0%-60.6%), tobacco 80.2% (CI95%:79.6%-80.8%). Only 40%-67% of patients has recent measurement. Only 48.0% (CI95%: 46.6%-49.4%) of patients who needed statins were receiving them. Higher proportion of patients with cardiovascular disease were achiving goals. Differences were small but significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiovascular goals were measured in around half of patients with diabetes. Proportion of patients achiving cardiovascular goals were similar to published and best in patients with cardiovascular disease but it could improve. This points to prioritising interventions in this group of patients at very high risk, improving the implementation of guidelines and patient adherence.

Does metabolic syndrome worsen systolic dysfunction in diabetes? The shortwave study

Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have high cardiovascular event rates. The additional effect of MetS on left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is unknown. We studied the relation between MetS and LV systolic function in T2DM patients without coronary artery disease (CAD). Clinical and echocardiographic data from 331 T2DM patients were analyzed. Prevalence of MetS was assessed based on NCEP ATPIII definition. Stress-corrected midwall shortening (sc-MS) and mitral annular peak systolic velocity (S') were analyzed as indexes of circumferential and longitudinal shortening, respectively. Sc-MS was impaired if <89 %, S' if <8.5 cm/s (10th percentile of healthy controls). MetS was diagnosed in 172 patients. Sc-MS and S' were similar in T2DM patients with and without MetS (91 ± 14 vs 92 ± 15 %; 9.8 ± 2.0 vs 9.5 ± 2.1 cm/s, respectively; p = ns) but significantly reduced comparing to controls (102 ± 11 % and 10.8 cm/s; p < 0.0001). Impairment of sc-MS and S' were detected in 37 vs 40 % and in 29 vs 32 % of T2DM patients with and without MetS (p = ns), respectively. LV systolic function measured as sc-MS and S' is frequently impaired in T2DM patients without CAD; however, the coexistence of MetS is not associated with more severe LV systolic dysfunction. Further pathological mechanisms have to be considered to explain the negative prognostic impact of MetS in T2DM patients.

The validation of cardiovascular risk scores for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Various cardiovascular prediction models have been developed for patients with type 2 diabetes. Their predictive performance in new patients is mostly not investigated. This study aims to quantify the predictive performance of all cardiovascular prediction models developed specifically for diabetes patients.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Follow-up data of 453, 1174 and 584 type 2 diabetes patients without pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the EPIC-NL, EPIC-Potsdam and Secondary Manifestations of ARTerial disease cohorts, respectively, were used to validate 10 prediction models to estimate risk of CVD or coronary heart disease (CHD). Discrimination was assessed by the c-statistic for time-to-event data. Calibration was assessed by calibration plots, the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit statistic and expected to observed ratios.

RESULTS

There was a large variation in performance of CVD and CHD scores between different cohorts. Discrimination was moderate for all 10 prediction models, with c-statistics ranging from 0.54 (95% CI 0.46 to 0.63) to 0.76 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.84). Calibration of the original models was poor. After simple recalibration to the disease incidence of the target populations, predicted and observed risks were close. Expected to observed ratios of the recalibrated models ranged from 1.06 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.40) to 1.55 (95% CI 0.95 to 2.54), mainly driven by an overestimation of risk in high-risk patients.

CONCLUSIONS

All 10 evaluated models had a comparable and moderate discriminative ability. The recalibrated, but not the original, prediction models provided accurate risk estimates. These models can assist clinicians in identifying type 2 diabetes patients who are at low or high risk of developing CVD.

The ADVANCE cardiovascular risk model and current strategies for cardiovascular disease risk evaluation in people with diabetes

Purpose

To critically examine existing approaches to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk evaluation in people with diabetes, and discuss the use of accurate and validated absolute CVD risk tools as an appropriate basis for CVD prevention in people with diabetes.

Methods

This was a narrative review using evidence from the ADVANCE study and all relevant publications identified via PubMed MEDLINE.

Results

There is sufficient evidence that diabetes does not confer a CVD risk equivalent to that in non-diabetic people with existing CVD in all circumstances. In people with diabetes, CVD risk follows a gradient. Reliably capturing this gradient depends on an adequate combination of several risk factors. Many global CVD risk tools applicable to people with diabetes have been developed. Those derived from older cohorts are less accurate in contemporary populations and many newer tools have not been tested. The ADVANCE risk engine, recently developed from the large multinational ADVANCE study, showed acceptable performance on the ADVANCE population and largely outperformed the popular Framingham risk equation when tested on the multinational DIAB-HYCAR cohort of people with type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions

The high-risk status conferred by diabetes does not preclude estimation of absolute CVD risk using tools such as the ADVANCE risk engine and its use as the basis for initiating and intensifying CVD preventative measures. Adopting such an accurate and validated tool will likely improve prescriptions and outcomes of diabetes care.

Heart rate-corrected QT interval is an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes: the Diabetes Heart Study

OBJECTIVE

Heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval is associated with mortality in the general population, but this association is less clear in individuals with type 2 diabetes. We assessed the association of QTc interval with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in the Diabetes Heart Study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 1,020 participants with type 2 diabetes (83% European Americans; 55% women; mean age 61.4 years) who were free of atrial fibrillation, major ventricular conduction defects, and antiarrhythmic therapy at baseline. QT duration was automatically calculated from a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Following American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Foundation recommendations, a linear scale was used to correct the QT for heart rate. Using Cox regression, risk was estimated per 1-SD increase in QTc interval as well as prolonged QTc interval (>450 ms) vs. normal QTc interval for mortality.

RESULTS

At baseline, the mean (SD) QTc duration was 414.9 ms (18.1), and 3.0% of participants had prolonged QTc. After a median follow-up time of 8.5 years (maximum follow-up time 13.9 years), 204 participants were deceased. In adjusted multivariate models, a 1-SD increase in QTc interval was associated with an 18% higher risk for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.18 [95% CI 1.03-1.36]) and 29% increased risk for CVD mortality (1.29 [1.05-1.59]). Similar results were obtained when QTc interval was used as a categorical variable (prolonged vs. normal) (all-cause mortality 1.73 [0.95-3.15]; CVD mortality 2.86 [1.35-6.08]).

CONCLUSIONS

Heart rate QTc interval is an independent predictor of all-cause and CVD mortality in this population with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that additional prognostic information may be available from this simple ECG measure.