Abstract
Aim: The aim of the integrative review was to explore to impacts of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on the cardiovascular system (CVS) in adolescents and young adults.
Background: The prevalence and incidence of T2DM in adolescents and young adults is increasing around the world with no sign of reduction. Obesity and diabetic dyslipidemia were shown to enhance the cardiovascular effects of T2DM.
Method: A comprehensive five staged framework integrative review methodology was utilised to review the empirical literature on the impacts of T2DM on the CVS in adolescents and young adults. Initial searching using the SpIDER search strategy tool identified 1513 articles. Following the pRISMA checklist, nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria and passed the 70% quality appraisal threshold mark.
Results/Findings: All 19 studies were quantitative studies. The constant comparative analysis found 15 subthemes synthesised under four pre-determined main themes of: (i) causal factors; (ii) intermediary factors; (iii) cardiovascular effects; (iv) medications [insulin, metformin, and other]. The review found that adolescents and young adults with T2DM were observed to have high BMI, HbA1c, left ventricular mass index, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Significance: The review present a potential new story of the development of T2DM and its impacts on the CVS of adolescents and young adults. The causal factors further enhanced the disease progression which impacted intermediary factors that consequently resulted in cardiovascular effects of T2DM. This also may result in left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. The review results may be utilised by nurses and health practitioners as a guide when providing health education to adolescents and young adults with or without T2DM.