The Particulars: Previous research indicates that diabetes is a risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart failure (HF). It has been hypothesized that HF precipitates progression to diabetes.
Data Breakdown: Researchers conducted a cohort study of CVD risk in ambulatory older adults to observe the effect of HF on diabetes progression. Patients were divided into those who had HF at baseline and those who did not. Among those who did not have HF at baseline, 3.9% developed new-onset diabetes. However, 10.5% of patients who had HF at baseline later developed new-onset diabetes.
Take Home Pearl: Among older patients, HF appears to be a risk factor for new-onset diabetes.
