diabetes and heart disease

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

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

A blocked coronary artery results in

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

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

To manage diabetes

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

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Factors that Increase the Risk of Heart Disease in Diabetics

Diabetes specialist in Hyderabad

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

A strain on the heart
Damage to the blood vessels
Complications like

Vision Issues
Kidney Problems
Stroke
Heart Attack

To manage

Exercise regularly
Adopt a healthy diet
Take high BP medications

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

High Cholesterol

People with diabetes have
Poorly managed blood fats.
High LDL or bad cholesterol
Low HDL or good cholesterol
Risk of blockages in the heart.
High probability of heart disease and stroke.

Genetics may also influence cholesterol levels.

To manage

Make healthy lifestyle choices
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

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

Some activities you can try are:

Dancing
Cycling
Walking

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

Smoking

Your risk of developing heart disease is high if you

Are a smoker
Have diabetes

Smoke and diabetes causes

A plaque build-up in arteries
Makes arteries narrow

Complications like

Foot problems
Stroke
Heart attack

Sometimes, foot problems may lead to amputation.

To manage:

Quit Smoking
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:

Dizziness
Weakness
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Pain in the chest
Chest pressure
Chest tightness
Pain in the breastbone spreading to

Back
Neck
Arms

Diet

Diabetics can prevent heart disease risk by

Following a heart-healthy diet.
Reducing blood pressure
Managing cholesterol levels.
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

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

When to See a Doctor?

Visit a doctor if you have diabetes and experience

Shortness of breath
Pressure in the chest
Chest pain
Fatigue

Your healthcare provider may recommend

A healthy diet
Habit changes
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

Diabetes mellitus and heart disease often go hand in hand, presenting a challenging and complex scenario for patients and medical professionals alike.

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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that affects more than 37 million Americans. By 2030, the disease will likely be prevalent in 1 in 10 people worldwide. Often known as a silent killer, diabetes can lead to life-threatening health complications if left untreated.

Prolonged diabetes can damage various organs of the body, including the eyes, kidneys, and skin. Also, it can lead to nerve damage (a condition known as diabetic neuropathy). However, one of the most catastrophic complications of diabetes is an increased risk of heart disease.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the link between diabetes mellitus and heart disease. Also, we’ll discuss how people with diabetes can lower their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Let’s get started.

Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Disease: Understanding the Connection

When an individual has diabetes, their body doesn’t metabolize glucose properly, which leads to elevated blood glucose levels. The excess sugar in the blood can stick to the walls of blood vessels, thus damaging and narrowing them. Also, diabetes causes damage to the nerves that control the cardiovascular system.

That, in turn, requires the heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. Ultimately, it can result in chronic conditions, such as coronary artery disease and heart failure. Diabetes can also increase the likelihood of blood clots, thus leading to heart attacks and strokes.

It’s also worth noting that most people with diabetes also have other underlying conditions, such as hypertension and high cholesterol levels. That, in turn, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

On the other hand, a history of heart disease also increases your predisposition to diabetes mellitus. That’s because most people with cardiovascular ailments have pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure and obesity, which are linked to increased diabetes risk.

Minimizing the Risk of Heart Disease

Once you realize the close link between diabetes and cardiology, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that many of the techniques to manage and treat diabetes also help keep heart disease at bay.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Control Blood Sugar Levels

It’s crucial to undergo regular HbA1c and fasting blood glucose tests to monitor your blood sugar levels. You can even use a glucometer to test your blood glucose levels at home. Also, consult a diabetes mellitus specialist to understand whether you need to take any medications or insulin injections to keep your blood sugar levels in check.

Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for both diabetes mellitus and heart disease. That makes it crucial to control your body weight. If you have a higher body mass index (BMI), consult a fitness expert or nutritionist to create a holistic weight loss plan.

Embrace a Balanced Diet

A balanced, nutrient-rich diet will help maintain your blood sugar levels and facilitate weight loss. Also, it can help keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. Avoid sugar-rich packaged and processed foods. Instead, include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. It’s a good idea to consult a nutritionist for a DASH or Mediterranean diet plan.

Get Regular Exercise

Exercise offers several health benefits, including weight control and emotional well-being. You can work out at the gym, go for occasional hikes, or try doing yoga. The key is to incorporate some kind of physical activity into your daily routine.

Besides these measures, you should also get your blood pressure and cholesterol regularly checked. Talk to your doctor to understand whether you need to take any medications, such as beta-blocker or statins, to lower your risk of diabetes complications further.

Safe diabetic medicines for heart disease individuals

Conclusion

There is a clear link between diabetes mellitus and heart disease. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing heart disease due to the effects of high blood sugar on the blood vessels and heart. Proper management of diabetes and heart disease risk factors is essential to prevent the development of heart disease in people with diabetes.

Dr. C Raghu is an eminent cardiologist based in Hyderabad. If you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with diabetes and is at risk of developing heart disease, feel free to book a consultation with Dr. Raghu today.

Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Disease Blog

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