Narrative Review of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Complications

Mwende Wairimu G.

School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus is a major global public health challenge and a powerful independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals with diabetes. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic approaches linking diabetes to cardiovascular complications. Central mechanisms include chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, which collectively accelerate atherosclerosis and promote cardiac and vascular remodeling. The review examines the spectrum of cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease, highlighting differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and across age groups and special populations. Advances in cardiovascular risk stratification using glycemic metrics, imaging modalities, and biomarkers are discussed, alongside evolving pharmacological strategies. In particular, sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have demonstrated significant cardiovascular and renal benefits beyond glycemic control. Non-pharmacological interventions, including lifestyle modification and risk factor management, remain foundational to care. Despite progress, important knowledge gaps persist regarding disease mechanisms, optimal risk prediction, and individualized treatment strategies. Addressing these gaps is critical to reducing the cardiovascular burden of diabetes and improving long-term outcomes.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Cardiovascular disease; Atherosclerosis; Heart failure; and Cardiovascular risk management

CITE AS: Mwende Wairimu G. (2026). Narrative Review of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Complications. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 11(1):51-60. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2026/1115160