Abstract
Aim: The aim of this integrative review is to examine the impacts of type 2 diabetes mellitus on cardiovascular health in adolescents.
Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adolescents is on the rise globally. T2DM has an established association with negative cardiovascular impact and an increased risk in cardiovascular disease in adults, leading to the concern that adolescents will have negatively impacted cardiovascular health and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Method: An integrative review was conducted. An electronic database search was conducted from the years 2011-2021 using Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, and Google Scholar. Quality appraisal was conducted using JBI critical appraisal tools.
Results: From 409 records, nine were considered eligible for inclusion. The studies were investigated factors that predict cardiovascular disease in adolescents with T2DM, the impairments of T2DM on the cardiovascular system in adolescents, and the management of cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents with T2DM. Three categories of findings were established: increased blood pressure, changes in increase in LDL, HDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and changes in cardiac physiology.
Significance: There is evidence to suggest T2DM has caused cardiovascular changes in adolescents which increase their risk for cardiovascular disease. This phenomenon requires further investigation. Further research should also be conducted to investigate effective management and prevention strategies.