Cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes: Reflecting on the ADVANCE study

The world is facing an unprecedented increase in type 2 diabetes. Most disability and premature mortality experienced by patients with diabetes is related to vascular disease and, in particular, macrovascular disease (such as coronary heart disease and stroke) and microvascular disease (such as retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy). Indeed, around 1.9 million cardiovascular deaths worldwide are attributable to high blood glucose levels and diabetes, as well as to their associated dangerous companions of high blood pressure and abnormal lipid levels. The global economic costs of diabetes, including foregone economic growth and increasing healthcare expenditure, are substantial and are anticipated to grow. Therefore, strategies to reduce disease burden have continued to focus on reducing cardiovascular risk. Recently, a number of large-scale clinical trials have evaluated approaches for managing cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes. Among them the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: PreterAx and DiamicroN MR Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) trial has reported the effects of blood pressure lowering and intensive glucose control on major vascular events in patients with established type 2 diabetes. In this article we summarise the findings of the ADVANCE trial and discuss its relevance to the management of cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes worldwide.