Hyperglycemia as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes.

According to several prospective population-based studies, glycemic control influences the risk for cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease, independently of conventional risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. Recent clinical trials, particularly the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study, have shown that microvascular complications and macrovascular complications, although to a lesser extent, can be prevented in patients with type 2 diabetes with correction of glycemic control. However, in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes, all known cardiovascular risk factors should be attacked simultaneously.