Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Elevates Risk of Coronary Artery Disease: Study

A recent study from Taiwan revealed a concerning link between newly detected diabetes mellitus and a higher prevalence of significant coronary artery disease (CAD). The findings published in the recent issue of BMC Cardiovascular Disorders journal illuminate the importance of early cardiovascular assessment in patients with new diabetes diagnoses.

The study reviewed clinical health data from asymptomatic adults who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) between 2008 and 2018. Among 444 participants, 338 were classified as non-diabetic, 54 with newly detected diabetes mellitus, and 52 with known diabetes mellitus.

The findings demonstrated a contrast between the patients without diabetes and newly diagnosed diabetic individuals. This research found that 40.7% of participants with newly detected diabetes had significant coronary artery disease, which was defined as a narrowing of at least 50% in one or more coronary vessels. In comparison, only 20.1% of non-diabetic participants showed similar findings.

Further analysis revealed that among those with coronary artery stenosis, the average number of blocked coronary vessels was 0.72 in newly diagnosed diabetic patients compared to 0.42 in non-diabetic individuals. The study highlighted this as a significant indicator of the extent of the disease in this group.

Using multiple logistic regression analysis, this study that newly detected diabetes was an independent risk factor for significant coronary artery disease. The odds of developing CAD were more than twice as high in newly diagnosed diabetic individuals (odds ratio: 2.153) when compared to non-diabetic participants, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.112–4.166.

The study found that asymptomatic patients with newly detected diabetes mellitus are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease than those without diabetes. Also, early cardiovascular assessment and preventive strategies should be prioritized in this group.

Overall, the study highlighted the need for routine coronary artery evaluation for those newly diagnosed with diabetes, even if they show no obvious symptoms of heart disease. The findings may prompt physicians to adopt a more aggressive approach in identifying and managing cardiovascular risks in diabetic patients.

Source:

Lai, C.-C., Chang, B. C.-C., & Hwang, L.-C. (2025). Presence of coronary artery disease in adults with newly detected diabetes mellitus. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-024-04463-0