Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is increasing in prevalence and it is estimated that three million individuals in the UK will have the disease by 2010. People with diabetes have a high risk of cardiovascular disease—coronary heart disease is more prevalent, more extensive, and more diffuse. For all cardiovascular syndromes, the mortality is virtually doubled in patients with diabetes. Large clinical trials have provided clear evidence of the reduction in cardiovascular risk that can be achieved by treating hyperglycaemia as well as traditional risk factors, such as hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. The challenge now is for all health care professionals to implement the treatment guidelines.