SPECIAL SESSION: Global Epidemics of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: Nursing Opportunities for Prevention and Management

Description/Overview: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death throughout the world. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is not only an important risk factor for the development of CVD, but a prognostic marker for CVD-related morbidity and mortality. An additional challenge is that individuals with T2DM frequently do not display symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD) and therefore CAD is often discovered late in the disease process. This session will explore the challenges in the prevention, detection and management of CVD in adults with T2DM through the current literature, as well as through the presenter’s program of research. Specific areas of focus include: identifying individuals with T2DM who have an increased risk of CVD events; screening for asymptomatic myocardial ischemia and factors associated with asymptomatic CAD and subsequent CAD-related events; and cognitive-behavioral interventions to reduce CVD risk in adults with T2DM. The research evidence will be synthesized and provide a basis for nursing interventions aimed at reducing the risk of CVD and its complications in adults with T2DM. The session will also provide an opportunity for discussion by audience members on clinical and research strategies to address the global burden of both CVD and T2DM.