Diabetes and Coronary Artery Disease

Diabetes is a condition that affects how insulin is produced and used in the body. Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar. A person who has diabetes either does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use it properly. Over time, this condition can accelerate hardening and narrowing (Reference atherosclerosis Opens New Window) of the coronary arteries. This results in Reference coronary artery disease Opens New Window.

People who have diabetes are 4 times more likely to have coronary artery disease than people who do not have diabetes.^{Reference 1} People who have diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to die from coronary artery disease than people who do not have diabetes.^{Reference 2}

If you have diabetes and coronary artery disease, you can help lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke by managing your diabetes and having a healthy lifestyle, which includes being active, taking medicines to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and not smoking.^{Reference 3}

Citations

1. Greenland P, et al. (2010). 2010 ACCF/AHA guideline for assessment of cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic adults: A report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 56(25): e50–e103.

2. Roger VL, et al. (2011). Heart disease and stroke statistics—2012 Update: A report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 125(1) e2–e220.

3. Smith SC, et al. (2011). AHA/ACCF secondary prevention and risk reduction therapy for patients with coronary and other atherosclerotic vascular disease: 2011 update: A guideline from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology Foundation. Circulation, 124(22): 2458–2473.

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