Novel cardiovascular risk factors and macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes.

Morbidity and mortality from diabetes mellitus remain high despite managing the traditional risk factors. Recent data imply that the pathophysiology of macrovascular and microvascular complications involve other factors. The metabolic syndrome precedes the onset of type 2 diabetes by many years. Early treatment of individuals with this syndrome might delay the onset of diabetes and its complications. Endothelial dysfunction, subclinical inflammation and impaired fibrinolysis may contribute to progression of macrovascular as well as microvascular complications. The roles of infection and hyperhomocysteinemia are less clear but may be significant. This review discusses the current knowledge on these "non-traditional" risk factors and therapies to improve them.