Why the increased risk of CVD for people with diabetes?
• People with type 2 diabetes have high rates of hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity, major reasons for their two-to-four-fold higher rates of CVD.7 • Ninety-seven percent of adults with type 2 diabetes have one or more lipid abnormalities.8 • About 70 percent of people with diabetes also have high blood pressure.8 • Sticky blood platelets contribute to clotting problems and poor blood flow in people with diabetes.3, 9 • Smoking doubles the risk for CVD in people with diabetes.3 [Top] Who is at highest risk for premature death or disability due to diabetes and CVD? • People with a family history of diabetes. People who have a first degree relative with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk. • Overweight and obese people. Approximately 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight and type 2 diabetes occurs at an earlier age in overweight people.10, 11 • Special populations. The following populations are particularly at risk for diabetes and its complications – African Ame
