Diabetes and cardiovascular disease in Asia
（糖尿病と動脈硬化性心臓血管疾患）

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has been increasing in Asia as well as in the world. Patients with diabetes mellitus are characterized by progressive atherosclerosis leading to cardiovascular events. Thus, diabetes mellitus has been recognized as one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Importantly, not only patients with diabetes mellitus but also those with impaired glucose tolerance have been shown to be at risk of coronary events. Therefore, diabetes in early stage could be an important target. However, there have been a few studies that demonstrate the efficacy of treatment for early diabetes on reduction of cardiovascular events. Favorable glycemic control through pharmacological and lifestyle interventions is mandatory. There are various kinds of medications recently which provide us multiple options of treatment. Atherosclerosis is affected by multiple factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia and we should take care of the other risk factors besides diabetes.
In the present session, we will exchange information on the current status of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease in Indonesia and Japan. It will probably reflect many factors including difference in lifestyle, weighing of multiple risk factors and genetic difference. Through the discussion, we hope we will reach a common understanding on the importance of prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus to decrease coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events.