Arterial Stiffness in Type 2 Diabetes

作者：Linkeschova R; Hackenberg A; Mengden T^*

来源：Diabetes, Stoffwechsel und Herz, 2009, 18(3): 177-185.

• arterial stiffness
• type 2 diabetes
• cardiovascular morbidity and mortality

There have been no long-term, controlled studies on the influence of arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes as yet. In addition to the strict control of blood pressure, therapy should focus on the long-term effects of arterial stiffness. Based on the studies that have been performed till now, however, it seems fitting to give preference to substances such as sartans and ACE-inhibitors - the latter in combination with calcium antagonists or indapamide. Clinical evidence has indicated that treatment with insulin sensitizers (glitazones) has a positive effect on arterial stiffness, regardless of blood pressure or blood glucose.
Although not examined specifically in type 2 diabetes, there are countless cases in the literature indicating that physical exercise, in the form of regular endurance and moderate weight training, as well as weight loss have a positive influence on arterial stiffness.
The therapeutic reduction of increased stiffness in the large arteries probably reflects best the overall reparation of structural damage in the arterial walls, Improvements in peripheral blood pressure and glycaemia can be attained within a few weeks with anti-hypertensive and anti-glycaemic therapy. Improvements in parameters of arterial stiffness, on the other hand, can only be observed after a long period of time. Long-term studies are needed to see if there is any connection between reduction of arterial stiffness and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

• 出版日期2009-5-20