Diabetes and Heart Disease: Understanding the Link

The risk of heart disease is two to four times more likely in people with diabetes. In people with Type 2 diabetes, heart disease is the most prevalent reason for death. Fortunately, you can do multiple things to reduce this risk. However, you must understand the link between diabetes and heart disease to minimise the risk.

Can Diabetes Lead to Heart Disease?

Diabetes has the following implications

1. It causes your blood sugar levels to rise.
2. Damage the nerves and the blood vessels controlling them.
3. The sugar stays in the bloodstream.
4. Eventually, sugar leaks from the liver.
5. It enters the bloodstream and damages the blood vessels and the nerves.

A blocked coronary artery results in

1. Diminished oxygen supply to the heart.
2. No oxygen supply to the heart.

Hence, the longer you have diabetes, your risk for heart disease increases.

To manage diabetes

1. Monitor blood sugar levels regularly
2. Use a self-monitoring device
3. Maintain a journal of your levels.
4. Let your doctor review the journal.

Visite Site for More Information : Diabetes Mellitus And Heart Disease

Factors that Increase the Risk of Heart Disease in Diabetics

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a risk factor in people with diabetes. It can make you two times more likely to develop a heart disease.

Diabetes may result in

1. A strain on the heart
2. Damage to the blood vessels
3. Complications like

• Vision Issues
• Kidney Problems
• Stroke
• Heart Attack

To manage

1. Exercise regularly
2. Adopt a healthy diet
3. Take high BP medications

Note: High BP can make you twice as likely to develop a heart disease.

High Cholesterol

1. People with diabetes have
2. Poorly managed blood fats.

   High LDL or bad cholesterol

3. Low HDL or good cholesterol
4. Risk of blockages in the heart.
5. High probability of heart disease and stroke.

Genetics may also influence cholesterol levels.

To manage

1. Make healthy lifestyle choices
2. Maintain an exercise routine

Obesity

Diabetes is common in overweight people. Together with obesity, it increases the risk of heart disease.

Obesity influences

• Cholesterol levels
• Blood sugar levels
• Blood pressure

To reduce the risk

• Try shedding some weight.
• Work with a nutritionist or a dietician to devise a healthy eating plan.
• Workout regularly

Sedentary Lifestyle

It can increase heart disease risk in diabetics.

To minimise risk

1. Get 150 minutes of moderate aerobics.
2. Do strength training twice a week.

Some activities you can try are:

1. Dancing
2. Cycling
3. Walking

Discuss with your doctor to know the best form of physical activity.

Smoking

Your risk of developing heart disease is high if you

1. Are a smoker
2. Have diabetes

Smoke and diabetes causes

• A plaque build-up in arteries
• Makes arteries narrow

Complications like

1. Foot problems
2. Stroke
3. Heart attack

Sometimes, foot problems may lead to amputation.

To manage:

1. Quit Smoking
2. Discuss different smoking cessation methods with your doctor.

Symptoms

The heart disease symptoms vary based on the severity.

While some do not experience any symptoms, others may feel:

1. Dizziness
2. Weakness
3. Fatigue
4. Shortness of breath
5. Pain in the chest
6. Chest pressure
7. Chest tightness
8. Pain in the breastbone spreading to

• Back
• Neck
• Arms

Diet

Diabetics can prevent heart disease risk by

1. Following a heart-healthy diet.
2. Reducing blood pressure
3. Managing cholesterol levels.
4. Indulging in heart-healthy foods like

• Whole grains
• Oats
• Nuts
• Cold-water fish like sardines and salmon
• Leafy green vegetables

5. Curtail your intake of

• Trans fat
• Sugar
• Sodium

Prevention

Some preventive measures include

1. Get an A1C test every three months.
2. Keep the A1C level below 7 per cent.
3. Try lowering LDL levels.
4. Maintain BP below 140/90 mm Hg
5. Avoid smoking.

When to See a Doctor?

Visit a doctor if you have diabetes and experience

1. Shortness of breath
2. Pressure in the chest
3. Chest pain
4. Fatigue

Your healthcare provider may recommend

1. A healthy diet
2. Habit changes
3. Medications

Bottom Line

We believe now you have sufficient clarity on the link between diabetes and heart disease specialist in Hyderabad. Dr Raghu is a reputed cardiologist. You can contact him for all your heart-related assistance in Hyderabad.

Source Link  : hopkinsmedicine.org