Reducing Vascular Complications of Type 2 Diabetes:
New Targets, New Treatments

Reducing residual vascular risk is the mission of the Residual Risk Reduction Initiative (R3i) Foundation. Despite advances in targeting some of the modifiable individual components of this risk, a high residual risk persists. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease have the highest excess risk of cardiovascular events. Even with best evidence- based treatment including intensive statin therapy, the PROMINENT (Pemafibrate to Reduce Cardiovascular Outcomes by Reducing Triglycerides in Patients with Diabetes) Study showed that over 10% experienced a recurrent cardiovascular event within 3 years.
 
Vascular complications of T2DM also adversely impact the microvasculature, predisposing to diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. Despite guideline-recommended management of glycaemia and blood pressure, residual microvascular risk remains an unmet clinical need, detrimentally affecting patient quality of life. New perspectives are needed to tackle these issues.
 
This was the focus of the second meeting of the International Steering Committee of the R3i, comprising over 50 internationally recognised experts in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), diabetes and lipid research.