Diabetes is closely associated with cardiovascular disease and therefore an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and amputation of the lower limbs. Indeed, heart attack and stroke are the major causes of premature death in people with diabetes. With the rising tide of diabetes around the globe, the double jeopardy of diabetes and cardiovascular disease is set to result in an explosion of these and other cardiovascular complications - unless preventive action is taken now.
Such action includes striving to prevent diabetes itself and, when diabetes is present, to prevent or delay cardiovascular risk factors in people with the condition. Both these objectives can be achieved by common strategies, such as promoting healthy lifestyles, educating healthcare professionals and raising public awareness. What is more, these steps can also help prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease in the general population.
Following on from the IDF publication, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: Time to Act published in 2001, IDF has updated the information contained in this publication and has also made it available online. IDF considers cardiovascular disease to be one of the most serious problems facing people with diabetes, and intends to lead the fight against it.