Fig. 2

Mechanisms for increased risk of vascular occlusive events in diabetes. Individuals with diabetes have premature atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of a coronary event. Individuals with coronary artery occlusion are treated with revascularisation in the acute stage followed by multifactorial therapy to halt the atherosclerotic process including control of blood pressure, blood glucose and lipid levels. Diabetes is also associated with an enhanced thrombotic milieu, secondary to increased activation of both platelets and coagulation factors. This is treated with anti-platelet therapy and the protein arm of coagulation is not usually targeted except in those with arrhythmias, valvular heart disease or a history of venous occlusion