ABSTRACT
Diabetes is associated with vascular complications resulting in premature morbidity and mortality from atherosclerosis-related disease including coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of chronic hyperglycaemia traditionally attributed to defective insulin secretion, insulin action or both. Diabetes is one of the fastest growing health challenges of the 21st century, with the number of adults living with diabetes having more than tripled over the past 20 years. Type 2 diabetes is associated with serious complications leading to significant morbidity and premature mortality. Life expectancy is reduced mostly due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) which accounts for one-third, to half of all, diabetes-related deaths. Diabetes and elevated blood glucose are associated with an approximate doubling of CVD risk secondary to premature and extensive atherosclerotic vascular disease and is the largest cause of morbidity and mortality.
