It's been known for some time that diabetics are more likely to have heart attacks. But these latest numbers show just how big the problem really is.
Scientists reporting in The Lancet journal found that having diabetes nearly doubled the risk of suffering from various diseases involving the heart and blood vessels including stroke.
But cholesterol, blood pressure and obesity was only partially to blame. This suggests that diabetes may cause cardiovascular disease by a different mechanism.
Scientists say the study highlights the need for more aggressive individual efforts and public health measures to prevent diabetes.