Keeping the diabetic heart healthy.

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important and preventable complication and major cause of death in diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

This article outlines the prevention and early detection of CVD in people with type 2 diabetes.

DISCUSSION

Diabetes is a major risk factor for CVD, both independently and because it tends to occur in association with other behavioural and physiological risk factors. There is good evidence that careful control of these risk factors can significantly delay the development of heart disease, and that this is possible to achieve in general practice. Key interventions are smoking cessation; diet and physical activity; targeted use of medications to achieve glycaemic, blood pressure and lipid control; and aspirin. Interventions require a whole practice approach involving practice staff, practice systems and links with other care providers.