Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased rates of all-cause mortality and major adverse events after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, despite favorable glycemic control, a recent study suggests. 341 consecutive adults who underwent implantation of LVAD from 2007 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics and adverse events were studies and compared between patients with and without DM. Researchers found:

• 133 (38%) patients had DM.
• Compared with patients without DM, those with DM had higher rates of ischemic cardiomyopathy, LVAD implantation as destination therapy, and increased baseline body mass index (BMI).
• At median follow-up of 16.1 months, DM was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.73) and increased risk of nonfatal LVAD-related complications (HR, 2.1).
• LVAD implantation resulted in a significant decrease in hemoglobin A1c levels and reduction in requirements of DM medications.