Two of the most widespread chronic health problems, affecting millions of individuals globally, are diabetes and heart disease. Diabetes affects more than 422 million people worldwide, while heart disease is the biggest cause of death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The fact that there is a strong correlation between these two diseases and that persons with diabetes have a higher chance of acquiring heart disease than people without diabetes is troubling. This article will examine the link between diabetes and heart disease as well as strategies for lowering the risk of heart disease in diabetics.
Link Between Diabetes and Heart Disease
Compared to persons without diabetes, those with diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. Those with diabetes are two to four times more likely than those without diabetes to develop heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Also, people with diabetes have a higher chance of dying from heart disease than people without diabetes and tend to develop heart disease at an earlier age.
It’s unclear exactly how diabetes and heart disease are related. Yet, a number of things are believed to be responsible for the elevated risk, including:
- High blood glucose levels: High blood glucose levels can harm the lining of blood arteries, increasing their susceptibility to plaque accumulation and constriction. The heart and other essential organs may receive less blood as a result of this narrowing, increasing the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- High blood pressure: People with diabetes frequently experience high blood pressure (also known as hypertension), which can worsen blood vessel damage and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- High cholesterol levels: High levels of LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as low levels of HDL (the “good”) cholesterol, are prevalent in diabetics. These elements may contribute to the development of arterial plaque and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Obesity: Being overweight significantly increases your chances of developing heart disease and diabetes. Obesity can raise the risk of heart disease by causing insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.
- Lack of physical exercise: Staying in shape, lowering blood sugar levels, and enhancing cardiovascular health all depend on physical activity. Those with diabetes who are sedentary or inactive have a higher risk of developing heart disease.
- Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular issues in diabetics and is a substantial risk factor for heart disease.
Managing diabetes is more than blood sugar control: It’s also preventing heart disease
Reducing the Risk of Heart Disease for People with Diabetes
Although the association between diabetes and heart disease is alarming, there are various things diabetics can do to lower their risk of cardiovascular issues. Here are some suggestions to lower the chance of developing heart disease:
- Keep blood glucose levels under control: Keeping blood glucose levels within the desired range can help lower the chance of developing heart disease and other health issues. Individuals with diabetes should collaborate with their healthcare physician to develop a personalised treatment plan that includes routine blood glucose monitoring, taking medication as directed, and making any necessary lifestyle adjustments.
- Manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels: Lowering your risk of heart disease is possible by maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This may entail following a doctor’s orders for taking medicine, altering your diet, and exercising frequently.
- Maintain a healthy weight: For people with diabetes, losing weight and keeping it off can help lower their chance of developing Diabetes and Heart Disease and other health issues. A healthy weight can be attained by combining food adjustments, increased physical activity, and other lifestyle changes.
- Engage in regular physical activity: Regular physical activity is important for heart health maintenance and lowering the chance of developing heart disease. Aiming for at least 150 minutes of consistent physical activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, is important for people with diabetes. It’s crucial to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning an exercise regimen to create a safe and efficient schedule.
- Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular issues in diabetics and is a substantial risk factor for heart disease. In order to lower your risk of heart disease and other health issues, you must stop smoking. Healthcare professionals can provide information and encouragement to assist people stop smoking.
- Follow a healthy diet: Maintain a healthy weight, control blood sugar levels, and lower your chance of developing Diabetes and Heart Disease by adhering to a nutritious diet. A balanced diet consisting of a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats should be the goal for those with diabetes. Also, it’s critical to keep sodium, saturated and trans fats, and added sweets to a minimum.
- Manage stress: Heart disease and other health issues can be exacerbated by chronic stress. Those with diabetes can lower their risk of heart disease by learning relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or meditation.
Impact of High Blood Glucose Levels on Heart Health
For those who have diabetes, elevated blood glucose levels have a major effect on heart health. Hyperglycemia, commonly known as high blood sugar, can harm blood vessels and raise the risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease. Here’s a closer look at how high blood sugar levels can impact cardiovascular health and how to lower the risk.
How High Blood Glucose Levels Affect Heart Health?
Blood arteries and nerves throughout the body, including those that feed blood to the heart, can get damaged when blood glucose levels are chronically high. Atherosclerosis, a disorder where fatty deposits accumulate in the artery walls, narrowing the arteries and decreasing blood flow to the heart, might eventually result from this damage over time.
A variety of cardiovascular issues, such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and stroke, can be brought on by atherosclerosis. In instance, if their blood glucose levels are not effectively controlled, people with diabetes are more likely than people without diabetes to develop atherosclerosis.
Managing Blood Glucose Levels for Heart Health
For diabetics, controlling blood glucose levels is essential to lowering their risk of heart disease. Here are some pointers for controlling blood sugar levels to support cardiovascular health:
- Monitor blood glucose levels regularly: Regularly checking your blood sugar levels will help you see high levels of the substance early and will enable you to take immediate action to lower them to the desired range.
- Follow a medication regimen: Maintaining control of blood glucose levels requires that patients take their prescriptions as directed by their doctor. The risk of heart disease can be decreased by using drugs like insulin or oral diabetic medicines to help keep blood glucose levels within the desired range.
- Follow a healthy diet: Maintaining a healthy diet will help control blood sugar levels and lower the risk of heart disease. A good diet should be low in added sugars and carbohydrates and high in fibre and whole grains.
- Engage in regular physical activity: Physical activity can help control blood sugar levels and lower the risk of heart disease. At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week should be the goal for diabetics.
- Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels: People with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease if their cholesterol and blood pressure are high. Heart disease can be prevented by frequently checking these levels and taking measures to keep them in check, such as maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and taking prescribed medications.
Stay ahead of diabetes and heart disease with proactive care
Risk Factors for Heart Disease in People with Diabetes
Compared to individuals without diabetes, those with diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease. Actually, the main reason for death among diabetics is heart disease. These are a few risk factors that put diabetics at higher risk for heart disease.
- High blood glucose levels: Excessive blood glucose levels can harm blood vessels and raise the risk of atherosclerosis, which can result in heart disease, as was previously indicated.
- High blood pressure: Hypertension, sometimes referred to as high blood pressure, can harm blood vessels and raise the risk of heart disease. Those who have diabetes are more likely than those who do not to have high blood pressure.
- High cholesterol levels: High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, sometimes referred to as “bad” cholesterol, can raise the risk of heart disease and contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Those who have diabetes are more likely than those without to have high LDL cholesterol levels.
- Overweight or obesity: Carrying extra weight, especially around the waist, can raise your chance of developing heart disease. Compared to individuals without diabetes, people with diabetes are more likely to be overweight or obese.
- Physical inactivity: Being sedentary can raise your chance of developing heart disease. Diabetes problems include neuropathy, which can damage the nerves that govern the muscles, may cause people to be less physically active.
- Smoking: Smoking ups your chance of developing heart disease and other illnesses. In comparison to persons with diabetes who do not smoke, those who smoke have an increased risk of acquiring heart disease.
- Family history: Those with diabetes who have a history of heart disease or stroke are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
Conclusion
For millions of people around the world, the association between diabetes and heart disease is a major cause for concern. It’s crucial to take precautions to lower the risk because people with diabetes have a higher risk of acquiring heart disease than people without the condition. The risk of heart disease in diabetics can be decreased by maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol as well as by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising frequently, stopping smoking, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress. People with diabetes can lower their risk of heart disease and enhance their general health and wellbeing by collaborating with their healthcare practitioner to design a personalised treatment plan and changing their lifestyle.
Say goodbye to diabetes and heart disease complications with proper care
FAQs
- Can diabetes cause heart disease?
Absolutely, persons who have diabetes are more likely to have heart disease than those who don’t. In patients with diabetes, risk factors such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, inactivity, and smoking can all have an impact on the development of heart disease.
- How can people with diabetes reduce their risk of heart disease?
By maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, as well as a healthy weight, regular exercise, quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress, people with diabetes can lower their chance of developing heart disease.
- Is it possible to prevent heart disease in people with diabetes?
People with diabetes can take precautions to lower their chance of developing cardiovascular issues, even if it is not always possible to completely prevent heart disease. People with diabetes can lower their risk of heart disease and improve their general health by changing their lifestyle and adhering to a treatment plan recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Are there any specific diets that can reduce the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes?
For persons with diabetes, eating a balanced diet that consists of a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats is crucial to lowering their risk of heart disease. Also, it’s critical to keep sodium, saturated and trans fats, and added sweets to a minimum.
- Can stress contribute to the development of heart daisease in people with diabetes?
Undoubtedly, persistent stress can contribute to the development of heart disease in patients with diabetes. Those with diabetes can lower their risk of heart disease by learning relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or meditation.