What is the relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease?

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, primarily due to the effects of high blood sugar levels and the development of atherosclerosis. In individuals with diabetes, elevated glucose levels can lead to damage in blood vessels, contributing to atherosclerosis—a condition where plaques build up in the arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Furthermore, diabetes often coexists with other cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels), which compounds the risk. The inflammatory processes associated with diabetes also play a role in the progression of cardiovascular disease.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for managing diabetes, as effective glycemic control and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the overall risk of cardiovascular complications in these patients.