Diabetic cardiomyopathy

Recognise proposed definitions of diabetic cardiomyopathy and debates about its existence • Appreciate the proposed effect of diabetes on the heart via various pathophysiological mechanisms (although not all fully understood) • Understand the adverse impact of clinical outcomes of diabetes on heart failure (and vice versa) • Be aware of the need for further evidence in this area (especially in patients with diabetes and in those with diabetes and heart failure) SummaryDiabetes and heart failure are common bedfellows.Diabetes is a major risk factor for the development of heart failure.Major uncertainty exists as to whether diabetic cardiomyopathy is a distinct clinical entity.In the real world, many diabetics have co-existing concomitant conditions that contribute to the cardiovascular abnormalities.A universally accepted definition of diabetic cardiomyopathy is proposed.