DIABETES MELLITUS AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES: CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND TREATMENT STRATEGIES

Abstract

The intersection between Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a vital field of study in medicine, given the increasing prevalence of both conditions and their association with significant morbidity and mortality. DM, characterized by metabolic dysfunction, is intrinsically linked to the development and progression of CVDs, such as coronary artery disease, stroke and heart failure. Clinical manifestations can range from macrovascular to microvascular complications, resulting in a substantial burden on the patient and the healthcare system. Multifaceted treatment strategies are needed to mitigate the cardiovascular risks associated with DM, including strict glycemic control, blood pressure and lipid management, as well as behavioral and pharmacological interventions. Objective: To carry out a systematic literature review to evaluate the relationships between Diabetes Mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, analyzing clinical manifestations, treatment strategies and their effectiveness, based on scientific evidence from the last 10 years. Methodology: To conduct this systematic review, we followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist protocol to ensure the transparency and quality of the process. Initially, we carried out searches in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases, using the descriptors "Diabetes Mellitus", "cardiovascular diseases", "clinical manifestations", "treatment" and "strategies". These terms were selected to cover key aspects of the relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease, focusing on studies published in the last 10 years. The inclusion criteria stipulated that articles should directly address the association between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in humans, be available in English and have been published between 2014 and the date of the research. On the other hand, studies that were not directly related to the topic, that were not available in English or that were published before 2014 were excluded. Results: The review highlighted the strong association between DM and CVD, with varied clinical manifestations, including atherosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy and autonomic neuropathy. Effective treatment strategies included intensive glycemic control, use of statins and SGLT2 inhibitors, and lifestyle interventions. However, challenges remain in the prevention and management of cardiovascular complications of DM. Conclusion: The review reinforces the importance of surveillance and early intervention at the intersection of DM and CVD, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary and personalized approaches to optimize clinical outcomes and reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease in patients with DM.