Reducing cardiovascular disease risk in patients with diabetes: a message from the National Diabetes Education Program.

PURPOSE

To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) a review of current practice guidelines that help clinicians' efforts to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes and its major macrovascular complications.

DATA SOURCES

This paper presents data from major evidence-based studies and clinical trials that define the scope of the problem, the rationale for risk reduction, and a patient-centered action plan for NPs to effectively manage cardiovascular risk factors in people with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

NPs are active partners with the National Diabetes Education Program and play a key role in efforts to effectively manage cardiovascular risk factors in people with diabetes and improve their awareness of the link between diabetes and heart disease and stroke.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The action plan to reduce cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes will help NPs to implement the most effective management strategies for medical nutrition therapy, physical activity, and pharmacological therapy required for patient-centered proactive management of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and lipid abnormalities.