Panvascular risk factor – Diabetes

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is the metabolic bed rock on which macrovascular and microvascular complications develop, hence diabetes is often regarded as a panvascular risk factor. Diabetes, a major risk factor of coronary artery disease (CAD), is also a maker for systemic atherosclerosis. Macrovascular complications include CAD, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease (PAD), while microvascular complications include retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. The underlying pathophysiological mechanism of diabetic vasculopathy is complex and multi-factorial, which requires an active research for potential therapeutic targets. The Achilles heel of diabetes related morbidity and mortality is diabetic vasculopathy and its related complications. Hence the management of diabetes per se is often translated into managing its vascular complications. A comprehensive understanding of diabetes as a panvascular risk factor is important. This review has briefly addressed the pathophysiology of diabetic vasculopathy and its complications.