Cardiovascular Complications in Diabetes

Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality among the diabetic population. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is characterized by early impairments in diastolic function, accompanied by the development of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The pathophysiology underlying diabetes-induced cardiac damage is complex and multifactorial, with elevated oxidative stress as a key contributor. The current evidence of molecular disturbances present in the diabetic heart, and their role in the development of diabetes-induced impairments in myocardial function and structure. This review aims to address the recent aspects of the relationships between diabetic cardiomyopathy and cardiovascular disease.