Screening of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Diabetes: Questions Concerning Prediabetes and Low-Mid Income Countries

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of prediabetes is increasing world-wide and this condition predisposes to substantially increased risk of cardiovascular disease in addition to developing diabetes mellitus (DM). This article debates screening for early identification and intervention of cardiovascular risk in prediabetes. DISCUSSION: Screening methods exist for cardiovascular disease, but the models have diabetes and smoking status as dichotomous variables. A [Yes or No] response in regards to diabetes then ignores dysglycemia in prediabetes individuals who may nevertheless have hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, the sufferers are treated like healthy persons in such screening models. The problem is worse especially in the low - mid income countries where diagnostic services are either inaccessible or unaffordable for comprehensive testing. CONCLUSION: To improve early intervention of cardiovascular risk in subclinical diabetes, a model that employs a combination of blood glucose level and an index of oxidative damage is imperative to cater for prediabetes.