Diabetic cardiomyopathy: Five major questions with simple answers

Abstract

Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a long-lasting process that affects the myocardium in patients who have no other cardiac conditions. The condition has a complex physiopathology which can be subdivided into processes that cause diastolic and/or systolic dysfunction. It is believed to be more common than reported, but this has not been confirmed by a large study. Diagnosis can involve imaging; biomarkers cannot be used to identify diabetic cardiomyopathy at an early stage. In people with diabetes, there should be a focus on prevention and, if diabetic cardiomyopathy develops, the objective is to delay disease progression. Further studies into identifying and managing diabetic cardiomyopathy are essential to reduce the risk of heart failure in people with diabetes.