[Glucose control in cardiac disease].

The early and differentiated optimization of glucose level is essential for the improvement of the cardiovascular outcome. In all stages of cardiac disease, the primary goal is to reach near-normoglycemia. The DIGAMI-1 and 2 studies as well as the Munich Myocardial Infarction Registry successfully demonstrate, that the intensification of treatment with insulin therapy reduces the mortality of myocardial infarction. Glucose-insulin-infusion is advantageous with regard to the use of a well-controllable therapeutic approach. In non-acute cardiac disease, oral treatment strategies and insulin therapy are successful alone or in combination. Acarbose and metformin have been shown to be able to successfully prevent cardiovascular disease. New evidence of positive effects of glitazones with regard to reduction of the rate of restenosis and optimization of endothelial function is currently emerging. Prognosis of cardiovascular disease is significantly influenced by glucose control. There is evidence that the relationship between glycemia and cardiovascular events extends far beyond the diabetic threshold. This can be detected even in impaired glucose tolerance and the non-diabetic range. There is evidence that postprandial glycemia is crucial for the extent of cardiovascular risk. This has also been emphasized by the DECODE-study.