How does diabetes affect heart disease risk?

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of coronary artery disease and heart failure due to several interrelated biochemical mechanisms. First, elevated blood glucose levels can lead to damage of the endothelial lining of blood vessels, promoting atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in arterial walls. This process narrows the arteries, impeding blood flow and increasing the likelihood of coronary events such as heart attacks.

Moreover, diabetes is associated with other cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity, all of which further contribute to the increased incidence of heart disease. The presence of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes also exacerbates these risks, leading to more significant lipid abnormalities and inflammatory responses that can affect heart health.

Additionally, individuals with diabetes are more prone to experiencing heart failure, particularly because of the impact of diabetes on cardiac function and its potential to cause diastolic dysfunction. The interplay between diabetes and heart disease is complex, underscoring the importance of diligent management of blood glucose levels and other cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients to mitigate these risks.