European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Diabetes mellitus, characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, poses a significant global health challenge. Type 2 diabetes accounts for the majority of cases and is associated with factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor dietary habits. The global burden of diabetes is substantial, contributing to major complications like blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation.  Methodology: This study investigates cardiovascular complications in 209 adult diabetic cases with a disease duration exceeding 5 years. The research, conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital, includes a detailed clinical examination, relevant investigations, and categorization based on disease severity, control status, and treatment type. Various parameters, including fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, urine examinations, serum cholesterol levels, and hypertension classification, were assessed. Results: The study reveals that 112 cases (53.6%) exhibited cardiovascular complications, with ischemic heart disease (IHD) being the most prevalent (39.7%). The majority of patients were in the 51-60 age group, and 75.6% were male. Poor glycemic control was evident in 79.9% of cases, while 23.9% had severe diabetes. Hypertension and retinopathy were present in 30.1% and 35.8% of cases, respectively. IHD was more prevalent in males (56.6%) and the 51-60 age group. Discussion: The study establishes associations between different complications, emphasizing the frequent coexistence of various cardiovascular issues in diabetes. It explores the distribution of IHD among diabetics, with a peak in the 51-60 age group and a higher incidence in males. The severity of diabetes did not significantly influence IHD incidence. Good glycemic control demonstrated a protective effect against complications. Conclusion: This comprehensive study underscores the substantial impact of cardiovascular complications in diabetes mellitus. It highlights the importance of glycemic control, lifestyle modifications, and weight management in reducing the incidence and severity of complications.