March 11, 2009

scientists comment on clinical trial that links diabetes with heart problems, as published in the European Heart Journal

The trial found that patients with type 2 diabetes who also have abnormal heart rhythms are at an increased risk of cardiovascular complications including heart failure and stroke in later life.

Dr Victoria King, Research Manager at Diabetes UK, said:

“We know that people with diabetes have an up to fivefold increased risk of cardiovascular complications compared with those without diabetes and this research indicates that those people with diabetes who have an abnormal heart rhythm may be at an even bigger risk of developing cardiovascular complications later in life. This suggests that these people may benefit from tighter control of cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol.”

Dr Ann Millward, Clinical Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology, Peninsula Medical School in Plymouth, said:

“The Diabetes Clinical Research Unit at the Peninsula Medical School in Plymouth has been one of the largest UK contributors to this study, with 158 patients taking part.

“The ADVANCE study has been a very important one for all of us, as it has placed the importance of glycaemic control and ACE-I/Indapamide at the forefront in reduction of risk of cardiovascular events. This analysis is also very important as it appears as though this combination reduces the risk of another vascular risk – atrial fibrillation – which is associated with other vascular complications including stoke.

“We and our patients have been pleased to be part of this study and will be involved in ADVANCE-ON, a long term follow up of this cohort to look at the effect of five years control on cardiovascular risk reduction.”