People with diabetes are at significantly higher risk of developing heart failure than those without. The condition is usually due either to pre-existing cardiac conditions or the development of a diabetic-specific cardiomyopathy. It is, therefore, very important that the condition is identified as soon as possible.

Treatment of heart failure should involve reduction of risk factors and combination pharmacological therapy for symptom relief and prevention of disease progression. ACE inhibitors are the cornerstone of pharmacological therapy, with diuretics, beta-blockers and digoxin providing additional benefit. The choice and combination of pharmacological agents depends on the type of heart failure and the symptoms the patient is experiencing. However, differing pathogenesis of heart failure in diabetes makes it more difficult to treat.

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