From the ADA 2010: 26th June

In the early morning debate on cardiovascular risk in diabetes, Dr Iskandar Idris (UK) convincingly argued that Diabetes is NOT a cardiovascular disease equivalent.

Presenting data from both his own group and others, he suggested that diabetes is undoubtedly a significant addition to an individuals cardiovascular risk.

However as he went on to point out, it cannot be assumed that all populations carry the same degree of conferred risk. He cited by example data from Indian South Asians (Bulugahapitiya et al. Diab Med 2009; 26: 142) which show that cardiovascular risk is enhanced easily 10 years earlier if diabetes is present than would be the case in a caucasian equlaiavlent population.

Thus whilst arguing for agressive management of cardiovascular risk, Dr Idris was advocating caution in adopting a "one size fits all" approach to managing cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes.