[Homocysteine and diabetic macroangiopathy].

Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia is one of risk factors for arteriosclerotic disease. In diabetic patients, hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for macroangiopathy and mortality. Homocysteinemia is also associated with diabetic microangiopathy, silent stroke, and cognitive impairment. However, excluding those with nephropathy or microangiopathy, plasma homocysteine is lower in diabetic patients than non-diabetic controls. Oral treatment with folic acid, vitamin B12 and B6 reduces plasma homocysteine concentration about by 30%. The vitamin treatment for reduction of hyperhomocysteinemia improves endothelial dysfunction and retards carotid atherosclerosis. Few randomized control trials have showed a positive effect of the vitamin treatment on prevention from stroke and ischemic heart disease. Further prospective intervention studies are necessary to address the issue whether lowering homocysteine does prevent the development and progression of diabetic macroangiopathy.