Cardiologists are treating more and more patients with established cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is common in patients with an array of cardiovascular disorders including coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure and stroke. Over the last decade, studies have shown that patients with diabetes are at greater risk of dying from these cardiovascular diseases than those without diabetes.

Several important randomized trials (i.e., EMPA-REG OUTCOME, SUSTAIN-6 and LEADER) show medical interventions in cardio-vascular patients with diabetes can provide protective benefits. Deciphering the findings from these trials was a key component of an ACC.17 session chaired by Christopher Cannon, MD, FACC. The session also offered a closer look at the new therapies and included robust discussion and debate on the cardiologist’s role in managing cardiovascular risk in their diabetic patients.

According to Nathan D. Wong, PhD, FACC, it is critical going forward that cardiologists employ a team-based approach in collaborating with endocrinologists and other providers managing patients with diabetes. As part of ongoing efforts in this area, the ACC, with support from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma-ceuticals Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company, is working to raise awareness and prepare the cardiology community for the coming paradigm shift. Leveraging data from the Diabetes Collaborative Registry, the ACC will identify and capture key learnings from cardiovascular innovators who are managing cardiovascular risk reduction for people with type 2 diabetes. These learnings will be communicated to the wider cardiology community and used to help develop clinician and patient tools.

Keywords: ACC Publications, Cardiology Magazine, Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Cardiovascular Diseases, Patient Care Team