Heart Failure and Diabetes

The relationship between diabetes and heart failure is well-recognized. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the overlapping epidemiology, pathophysiology, outcomes, and treatment options for diabetes and heart failure. People with diabetes commonly have several comorbid cardiovascular disease risk factors, and this multimorbidity contributes to the excess risk of adverse outcomes, including heart failure. Hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia, and kidney disease are common conditions found in people with diabetes. Diabetes management has until recently primarily focused on the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with less attention dedicated to preventing heart failure. Progress in reducing hospitalization for heart failure has lagged behind improvements observed in ischaemic heart disease. The prevalence of comorbid diabetes is common among people with heart failure and is associated with an excess risk of adverse outcomes. The relationship between certain anti-diabetes medications and heart failure risk is well-established.