The domino effect: obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Rising levels of obesity in the UK are leading to corresponding increases in type 2 diabetes and threaten to jeopardize recent successes in combating cardiovascular disease. This article will discuss the key role district nurses have to play in breaking this continuum. Through health promotion activities, patient assessment and facilitating the early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, community nurses can help reduce cardiovascular risk factors and ensure that holistic treatment regimens are initiated early on in the disease process. An overview of current regimens is provided. Effective monitoring of patients response to treatment will help diabetes specialists set and prioritize appropriate treatment goals.