Diabetes Mellitus is a Coronary Heart Disease Risk Equivalent for Peripheral Vascular Disease

Background Diabetes Mellitus (diabetes) is associated with significantly increased risk of peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Diabetes is classified as a coronary heart disease (CHD) risk equivalent, but it is unknown whether diabetes is a CHD risk equivalent for PVD. Objectives To evaluate the odds of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or carotid artery stenosis (CAS) among participants with diabetes, CHD or both, compared to participants without diabetes or CHD, in a nationwide vascular screening database. We hypothesized that diabetes and CHD would confer similar odds of PAD and CAS. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of all eligible Life Line Screening Inc. participants age 30 to 90 years with ankle brachial indices (ABI) for PAD (ABI