The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increased in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but it remains uncertain how long an elevated CVD risk precedes diabetes diagnosis. It may be that elevated blood sugars and pre-diabetes start the march towards “clinical” CVD like strokes, heart attacks, stents, bypass surgery, and heart deaths, years to decades before the disease is obvious and diagnosed. So do not ignore an elevated blood sugar or an elevated HgbA1C (pre-diabetes) as heart disease may be waiting in the wings to attack.
CVD and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Study
The aim of the study was to investigate CVD occurrence 30 years before, and 5 years after, type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosis compared with matched comparisons.
The study included all individuals diagnosed with T2DM in Denmark between 2010 and 2015, as well as general population comparisons matched by age and sex. CVD was defined as myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. Data was analyzed for 30 years before and 5 years after the diagnosis of T2DM.
Results
The study included 127,092 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 381,023 matched comparisons.
In the 30-year period before T2DM diagnosis, 14,179 (11.2%) T2DM individuals and 17,871 (4.7%) comparisons experienced CVD.
CVD prevalence was higher in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus than the comparisons in the entire period before T2DM diagnosis and ranged from 2-3X higher.
After T2DM diagnosis, 5-year CVD incidence was similarly increased in type 2 diabetes mellitus individuals vs comparisons by a factor of doubling.
Conclusion
Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus had 2-fold more CVD events than matched comparisons starting 3 decades before T2DM diagnosis. This indicates that comprehensive preventive strategies may be initiated much earlier in individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
At the Kahn Center, we assess for insulin resistance (IR) and pre-diabetes in all patients. Ideally, fasted blood is drawn for glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and HgbA1C permitting a diagnosis of IR and pre-diabetes when present. Measures are taken to reverse these abnormalities focusing on a whole food plant-based diet, PROLON fasting mimicking diet use, weight loss, exercise, and targeted supplements like bergamot and berberine. Labs are repeated periodically. When needed, Rx medications like metformin can be considered.
All patients also get screened for silent CVD with carotid IMT ultrasound, coronary calcium CT scoring, and when needed, advanced coronary CT angiography with AI interpretation (Cleerly Health analysis).
The hope is that an “ounce” of type 2 diabetes mellitus prevention is worth a “pound” of heart disease cure.
About the author: Dr. Joel Kahn is one of the world’s top cardiologists and he is passionate about scientifically showing the body’s ability to heal itself through proper nutrition. He is on a mission to try to prevent all future heart attacks by educating and inspiring people to follow an active and holistic lifestyle by applying cutting-edge science to their lives.
At his core, Dr. Joel Kahn believes that plant-based nutrition is the most powerful source of preventative medicine on the planet. Having practiced traditional cardiology since 1983, it was only after his own commitment to a plant-based vegan diet that Dr. Kahn truly began to delve into the realm of non-traditional diagnostic tools, prevention tactics, and nutrition-based recovery protocols.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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