Published: August 21, 2019

Researchers examine dangerous combination of diabetes, heart failure among Asians

By ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ News

Please note: This article was published more than two years ago, so some information may be outdated. If you have questions about your health, always contact a health care professional.
Chevanon Wonganuchitmetha/EyeEm, Getty Images
(Chevanon Wonganuchitmetha/EyeEm, Getty Images)

Type 2 diabetes frequently coexists with heart failure. And the combination of the two can lead to structural changes in the heart and an increased risk of death, according to a in Asia.

, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and heart failure, when the heart isn't pumping as well as it should, together have been extensively studied in Western nations. But the prevalence of diabetes has increased worldwide, and less has been known about how the combination affects Asians.

For the new study, researchers analyzed data from about 6,200 heart failure patients.

The study found having both Type 2 diabetes and heart failure was associated with structural abnormalities in the heart, worse quality of life and an increased risk of heart failure-related re-hospitalizations or death within one year.

Researchers also noted the overall prevalence of Type 2 diabetes was high among these heart failure patients; more than 40% had diabetes. The prevalence was highest in Singapore and Hong Kong.

"Primary prevention strategies and tailored treatment options are needed to tackle this twin scourge of diseases," study co-author Jonathan Yap said in a news release. He is a consultant from the department of cardiology of the National Heart Centre Singapore.

"Our findings emphasize the need for preventative public health measures at the community and primary care level. For heart failure patients who have diabetes, physicians should closely monitor and optimize their management."

The study published Wednesday in the Journal of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½.

If you have questions or comments about this story, please email [email protected].

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ News Stories

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ News stories reflect the official position of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½. Statements, conclusions, accuracy and reliability of studies published in ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ scientific journals or presented at ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½â€™s official guidance, policies or positions.

Copyright is owned or held by the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½., and all rights are reserved. Permission is granted, at no cost and without need for further request, for individuals, media outlets, and non-commercial education and awareness efforts to link to, quote, excerpt from or reprint these stories in any medium as long as no text is altered and proper attribution is made to ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ News.

Other uses, including educational products or services sold for profit, must comply with the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½â€™s Copyright Permission Guidelines. See full terms of use. These stories may not be used to promote or endorse a commercial product or service.

HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.