Diabetes and the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abstract Objective The aim of this review is to delineate the association between abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and diabetes mellitus. Mechanisms for the underlying association are then discussed. Methods A systematic review of the English-language literature using PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases was undertaken up to September 2009. Studies reporting appropriate prevalence data were identified and a meta-analysis performed. Results Eleven studies were identified. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in studied patients with AAA ranged from 6% to 14%. The prevalence of diabetes in control patients without AAA ranged from 17% to 36%. Pooled analysis suggested a reduced rate of diabetes amongst people with AAA compared to those without (OR 0.65, 0.60–0.70, p < 0.001). Conclusions Studies so far suggest a protective role for diabetes on the development of AAA. Further research is required to demarcate the underlying mechanisms for this possible association.