Clinical Medicine Reviews in Vascular Health

Type 2 diabetes is well recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In turn, CVD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. The impact of glycemic control in reducing microvascular complications is now well accepted. Although improving glycemic control is also beneficial for the prevention of macrovascular diseases, adequate treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia is also essential. In fact, studies have repeatedly demonstrated the safety and efficacy of antihypertensive and antihyperlipidemic therapies for the prevention of CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes. This article reviews the impact of commonly used antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensive and antiplatelet agents on reducing CVD risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.