Purpose of review: The importance of composite risk factor control for reducing CVD risk in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has gained increased attention and here we review the latest findings in the field.
Recent findings: The Steno-2 study was the first to show that early intensive risk factor control could improve risk factor status and halve the CVD risk in patients with diabetes with lasting impact. A range of observational studies have added further insight to the importance of multiple risk factor control showing an incremental association between number of risk factors controlled and reduction in CVD risk. Noteworthy, a Swedish population-based study recently showed that optimal risk factor status in patients with T2DM was associated with a CVD risk similar to the general population. Early intensive intervention to achieve optimal risk factor control reduces CVD risk and should be of principal focus in T2DM management.
Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Risk factor control; Type 2 diabetes.