Family history of diabetes and risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in Korean men and women

The importance of family history of type 2 diabetes (FHD) as a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains controversial. A report of diabetes in parents and siblings was used to establish FHD in a cohort of 1,005,230 Koreans aged 30–95 years insured by the National Health Insurance Corporation who had a biennial medical evaluation during 1992–1995. ASCVD morbidity and mortality from 1993 to 2005 were examined in relation to FHD and other ASCVD risk factors. The risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) increased significantly (19%) in men with FHD but not in women. A strong interaction was observed between FHD and personal history of diabetes for the occurrence of ASCVD; men with both diabetes and FHD were at significantly increased risk of developing IHD, cerebrovascular disease and ASCVD with hazard ratios (HR) of 2.28, 2.07, and 2.12, respectively, compared to those who had neither FHD nor type 2 diabetes. Corresponding risks were 2.64, 2.03, and 2.10 in women, respectively. This study demonstrates that risk of ASCVD is increased among those with diabetes and a family history of diabetes; suggesting that genetic factors associated with occurrence of familial diabetes may increase risk of ASCVD beyond the risk among people without FHD.