Arterial stiffness, assessed noninvasively by measuring the aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), is considered a powerful and independent risk factor for early mortality. Increased arterial stiffness may lead to early pulse wave reflection causing an increase in systolic blood pressure and a decrease in diastolic blood pressure. This in turn, increases the myocardial oxygen demand, reduces ejection fraction and increases the left ventricular working load. PWV probably represents an integrated index of vascular structure and function, being influenced by many factors including age, blood pressure, lipid profile and glucose levels. For any level of systolic blood pressure, aortic PWV is found to be increased in diabetic patients compared to nondiabetic patients.