Private MD News

Type 2 diabetes may elevate risk of suffering second stroke or heart attack

Category: Diabetes

For individuals who have suffered a stroke or heart attack, an HbA1c test for diabetes may predict their risk of suffering a second cardiovascular event. A new study out of Vanderbilt University has shown that individuals with type 2 diabetes are much more likely to suffer a second heart attack or stroke.

For the study, the researchers followed a group of 4,731 patients who had suffered a cardiovascular event. They were looking to determine risk factors for a second heat attack or stroke.

The results of the investigation showed that those who had type 2 diabetes were at the greatest risk of experiencing a second cardiovascular event. These individuals had a 62 percent increased risk.

The researchers said that their findings confirm the results of prior investigations, which showed a strong link between type 2 diabetes and stroke and heart attack risk. They hope that the information can be used to direct treatment of individuals with statin medications, which have been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce a patient’s chances of suffering a cardiovascular event.