What are the guidelines for the recognition and treatment of patients with HF and diabetes mellitus?
The recommendations for the recognition and treatment of patients with HF and diabetes mellitus are as follows: Stage A HF: For patients with diabetes mellitus (who are all at high risk for developing HF), blood sugar should be controlled in accordance with contemporary guidelines (Class I; Level of Evidence C). Additionally, ACE inhibitors can be useful to prevent HF in patients at high risk for developing HF who have a history of atherosclerotic vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or hypertension with associated cardiovascular risk factors (Class IIa; Level of Evidence A). ARBs can also be useful to prevent HF in patients at high risk for developing HF who have a history of atherosclerotic vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or hypertension with associated cardiovascular risk factors (Class IIa; Level of Evidence B). 