Cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus type 2: a potential role for novel cardiovascular risk factors

A major consequence of diabetes mellitus type 2 is the accelerated developm ent of atherosclerosis, Assessment of conventional risk factors such as pla sma lipids, lipoproteins and hypertension only partly account for the exces sive risk of developing cardiovascular disease in this population. Increasi ng evidence has emerged suggesting that conditions associated with diabetes mellitus type 2, such as insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and hypergly cemia, may also play a significant role in regulating 'novel' cardiovascula r risk factors. These factors and their potential roles in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events are discussed in this review. Curr Opin Lipidol 11:519-528 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.