Screening for Diabetes: A Crucial Step in Preventing Heart Disease
A new study highlights the urgent need for better screening of at-risk groups for diabetes as a means to prevent heart attacks before they become fatal. The SCAPIS study, which analyzed over 30,000 participants, reveals a clear connection between atherosclerosis—the hardening of arteries—and blood sugar levels. According to Carl Johan Östgren, a professor of general medicine at Linköping University and vice chairman of the SCAPIS study, early detection of elevated blood sugar can significantly mitigate the risks associated with diabetes and related cardiovascular diseases.
Östgren states that individuals diagnosed with diabetes exhibit about twice as much atherosclerosis in their coronary arteries compared to those without the condition. This increased presence of atherosclerosis places diabetic individuals at a markedly higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the study found that even those with prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes showed increased levels of atherosclerosis compared to individuals with normal blood sugar levels.
The findings stress the need for healthcare systems to enhance their ability to identify those at risk for diabetes. Östgren emphasizes that timely interventions—including medication and lifestyle changes—can effectively prevent the progression of atherosclerosis and the development of cardiovascular complications. He expressed hope that the results of the SCAPIS study will motivate healthcare providers to broaden screenings for type 2 diabetes among at-risk populations, as many individuals are unaware of their condition until symptoms escalate.
Currently, around 450,000 people in Sweden live with type 2 diabetes, and incidence rates continue to rise, consequently elevating the number of individuals affected by cardiovascular issues. Understanding the relationship between diabetes and heart disease is critical for developing more effective treatments and ultimately reducing the increased risk of heart and vascular complications experienced by those with type 2 diabetes.
Östgren highlighted the significance of comprehensive studies like SCAPIS, which could not have been realized without substantial support from partners like the Heart-Lung Foundation and its donors. Their contributions are vital to ongoing research aimed at combating the intertwined issues of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
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