Historically, patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease have had poor outcomes from treatment of the latter, regardless of the treatment method used. Advances in treatment therapy over the last decade, however, may influence improved outcomes, with significant implications for the future of clinical practice in this area.
This seminal study evaluates treatments for Type 2 diabetic patients with angiographically proven coronary artery disease and stable angina or ischemia, comparing initial treatment with angioplasty or bypass surgery to initial treatment with a medical program. At the same time, BARI 2D compares 2 approaches to control blood sugar: providing insulin-stimulating medication or providing medication that sensitizes the body to the available insulin.