DR MILES DALBY

High blood sugar (diabetes) is a major cardiovascular risk factor. Different types of diabetes manifest themselves in different ways however elevated blood sugars sometimes cause no symptoms. As such, blood sugar should be measured periodically in adults as part of a structured cardiovascular screening and risk reduction program.

Treatment of diabetes will involve a healthy lifestyle and appropriate diet. In addition drug therapy may be necessary with tablets and or insulin. Diabetic care will usually be offered by your family doctor or an enocrinologist. Diabetes and its management are also very important to your cardiologist because of the cardiovascular problems it can cause.

The treatment strategy for any individual cardiac risk factor should always take into account whether it is in the context of primary or secondary prevention, other risk factors, and overall patient risk. Because diabetes is such an important cardiovascular risk factor, it is often suggested that an aggressive secondary prevention type approach should be taken even in the absence of any prior clinical event because of the high risk of cardiovascular problems. Appropriate management of cardiovascular risk factors should be seen as an investment in future health.

Many sets of guidelines exist on cardiovascular prevention however, Dr Dalby will discuss these tests, their implications and any subsequent tests, treatment or follow up with you so that you may reach a mutually agreeable management plan.