Impact of diabetes mellitus on the progression of coronary artery disease: An observational study

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) accelerates the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD), increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications and mortality. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate the impact of DM on the progression of CAD over a 2-year period and identify key risk factors and biomarkers associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: This observational study included 100 participants, divided into two groups: 50 patients with DM and 50 non-diabetic controls. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and baseline CAD characteristics, were recorded. Participants were followed for 2 years to assess the progression of CAD and new cardiovascular events. Risk factors such as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also measured. Statistical analyses, including multivariate logistic regression, were performed to identify independent predictors of CAD progression. Results: The diabetic group had a significantly higher BMI (29.1±4.6 kg/m1 vs. 26.5±3.9 kg/m1r P=0.01) and prevalence of CAD (80% vs. 60%, P=0.03). CAD progression was observed in 56% of diabetic patients compared to 30% of controls (P=0.01). New cardiovascular events occurred in 24% of diabetics versus 12% of controls (P=0.08). Diabetic patients had higher HbA1c (8.2%±1.1 vs. 5.6%±0.7, P<0.001), LDL cholesterol (130.4±25.6 mg/dL vs.115.8±22.3 mg/dL, P=0.04), and CRP levels (3.2±1.4 mg/L vs. 1.8±1.0 mg/L, P=0.001). DM was an independent predictor of CAD progression (OR=2.9, 95% CI=1.4–5.8,P=0.003). Conclusion: DM significantly impacts CAD progression, emphasizing the need for aggressive risk factor management in diabetic patients.