October - 29 - 2009
A study conducted by researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center determined the prevalence and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with or without type 2 diabetes. Diabetic patients showed a higher prevalence of AF as opposed to nondiabetics (3.6% vs. 2.5%), and this prevalence was found to increase with age. In addition, over a mean follow-up of 7.2 ± 2.8 years, the relative risk of developing AF was also significantly greater (39%) in patients with diabetes, and especially among women (with relative risks of 48% and 32%, respectively, for diabetic women and men). Although the results of this study suggest an association between atrial fibrillation and diabetes, additional trials are needed to determine the mechanisms underlying this association and the differential effects of gender (Nichols, G.A. et al. 45th Annu Meet Eur Assoc Study Diabetes (EASD) (Sept 29-Oct 2, Vienna) 2009, Abst 137).