Objective: This research aims to systematically review the literature on cardiovascular risk factors and complications associated with individuals diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the researcher will aim to identify and describe the most prevalent cardiovascular conditions associated with T2DM, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke within the Saudi population.

Methods: This study will apply a cross-sectional observational design to examine the prevalence and distribution of cardiovascular risk factors in a population of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) across several regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A cross-sectional design presents the opportunity to assess variables at one time point, and thereby gives a “snapshot,” of cardiovascular health status in the selected population. 

Results: The study included 357 participants. The most frequent gender among them was male (n = 214, 59.9%) and female (n = 143, 40.0%). The most frequent age group among study participants was 18-29 years (n = 143, 40.1%), followed by 30-39 years (n = 107, 29.9%), and then 40-49 years (n = 72, 20.1%). The most frequent nationality among study participants was Saudi (n = 306, 85.7%), and non-Saudi (n = 51, 14.2%). Participants were asked if they have diabetes. Most of them answered no (n = 309, 86.5%) and yes (n = 48, 13.4%). Diabetes treatment among study participants, with most taking oral medications (n = 26, 54.2%), followed by Insulin (n = 13, 27.1%), then lifestyle modification (n = 8, 16.7%). Participants were asked about the frequency of blood glucose monitoring; most of them Daily (n = 16, 33.3%), followed by monthly (n = 14, 29.2%), then Weekly (n =10, 20.8%). And Rarely (n = 6, 12.5%). Diabetes treatment among study participants, with most taking oral medications (n = 26, 54.2%), followed by Insulin (n = 13, 27.1%), then lifestyle modification (n = 8, 16.7%). Smoking among study participants, with most of them never smoked (n = 219, 61.3%), followed by current smokers (n = 98, 27.4%), then former smokers (n = 40, 11.2%). The most frequent BMI among study participants was normal weight (n = 129, 36.1%), followed by overweight (n = 127, 35.3%), then obesity class I (n = 57, 16%), and obesity class II (n = 18, 5%). Most of them no (n = 277, 77.5%), followed by yes (n = 80, 22.4%), then Weekly (n =10, 20.8%). And Rarely (n = 6, 12.5%).

Conclusion: The study shows significant relationships between Cardiovascular risks in Type 2 DM patients and behavioral factors, including age, gender, BMI, smoking, and experiencing psychological stress.