Diabetes, oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) is approaching global epidemic proportions with no signs of abatement. This current study examined correlations between inflammation and oxidative stress in (T2DM) and the Framingham CVD risk score. A cross sectional cohort of patients enrolling in the Diabetic Complications Research Initiative at Charles Sturt University was examined for diabetes status and divided into control, prediabetic, and a T2DM groups. The cohort was also divided with respect to Framingham CVD risk categories of low, moderate and high risk. Fasting lipid levels, blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), interleukin 6, (IL-6), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) were measured. Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were included. Significant correlations in diabetes status and CVD risk with GSH and IL-6 were observed. This study further supports previous data that inflammatory processes and oxidative stress are implicated in T2DM and CVD risk.