C-reactive protein and cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes

OVERVIEW. Having both diabetes and an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level compounds one's risk of developing cardiovascular disease, for which people with diabetes are at particularly high risk. CRP is both a biomarker for infectious and noninfectious disorders associated with inflammation and a risk factor for such conditions. Many researchers now believe that the protein also plays a role in the disease processes. The American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently defined three cardiovascular risk categories relative to CRP levels. This article reviews the relevant literature and explores how CRP levels can be used in cardiovascular disease risk assessment, prevention, and treatment.