Diabetes and coronary artery disease

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Diabetes and coronary artery disease

Diabetes is a condition that affects how insulin is produced and used in the body. Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar; a person with diabetes either does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use it properly. Over time, this condition can accelerate hardening and narrowing (atherosclerosis) of the coronary arteries, resulting in poor blood flow to the heart muscle.

People who have diabetes develop atherosclerosis more frequently and at a younger age than those not affected by the disease. Diabetes may double the risk of death from coronary artery disease (CAD). People with diabetes are more likely to:

Have high blood pressure.
Have high triglyceride levels.
Have low levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).
Have a thicker left ventricle, which can affect how well the heart pumps.
Be overweight.

Young people with insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes have an increased risk of CAD and heart attack.

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Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition
Last Updated	May 29, 2008

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Last updated:	May 29, 2008
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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