Diabetes & cardiovascular risk

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes is a main cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortali ty. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of diabetes on card iovascular risk using prediction equations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The cardiovascular risk of 356 diabetics was calculat ed from the prediction equations established by the Framingham, Ducimetiere , Laurier-Chau and PROCAM studies, with and without the factor "diabetes". Calculations were made according to the conditions of each equation then by applying formulae to the whole population. DISCUSSION: Diabetes increased the cardiovascular risk at 4 years from 0.7% with the Ducimetiere equation to 3.6% to 8% with the Framingham equation. Formulae increased the cardiovascular risk when they were applied to the wh ole population. Models of prediction did not take into account however dura tion of diabetes and balance, parameters which are closely linked to cardio vascular risks. CONCLUSION: Absolute cardiovascular risk, whose practical interest has ofte n been underlined, therefore has limitations in diabetes.