[Coronary risk factors in a group of patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus--examination of the EURODIAB IDDM Complications Study Krakow].

Cardiovascular complications are the main cause of disability and deaths in insulin dependent diabetic patients. The main aim of the EURODIAB IDDM Complications Study was to assess the prevalence of diabetes complications and of risk factors of these complications. In this study the data on cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors in patients included in the EURODIAB IDDM Complications Study--Krakow are presented. The study population included insulin dependent clinic attenders, aged 15-60 years, diagnosed before the age of 36 years. A random sample of up to 140 patients stratified by age, sex and duration of diabetes was chosen. Within each centre the study population consisted of all eligible IDDM patients living in a defined catchement area, who had attended the center at least once during the preceding 12 months. The studied sample included 120 patients (61 men and 59 women). Mean (sd) age of patients was 34.0 (9.6) years, mean duration of diabetes 14.2 (9.8) years, mean Hb A1c concentration 6.6 (1.5)%. The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases was assessed using standardized questionnaire and resting electrocardiogram. Blood pressure was measured with "random zero" sphygmomanometer. Electrocardiogram was assessed according to Minnesota code. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentration were determined by enzymatic methods. Albumin excretion rate was determined in 24 hours urine collection. Albumin concentration was assayed by immunoturbidimetry. Cardiovascular diseases were observed in 8.3% of patients. Arterial hypertension (WHO dfn) was found in 11.7% of patients, systolic blood pressure > or = 140 mm Hg in 9.2% of patients and diastolic blood pressure > or = 90 mm Hg in about 5% of men and 2% of women. Hypercholesterolemia (serum cholesterol > or = 6.5 mmol/l) was found in about 20% of patients, hypertriglyceridemia (serum triglyceride 2.2 mmol/1) in 16.4% of men and 10.2% of women. 41.0% of men and 28.8% of women were current cigarette smokers. Microalbuminuria (defined as albumin excretion rate 20-200 micrograms/min) was observed in 23% of men and 15.3% of women.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)