Heart Disease in Diabetics

Diabetes is a serious medical condition which is capable of affecting a number of major systems in your body. The cardiovascular system, which includes your heart and blood vessels, is crucial to your general health and well-being. Unfortunately, it is also quite vulnerable to the impact of diabetes, so the risk of cardiovascular problems in diabetics is significantly (2 to 4 times) higher as compared to people who do not suffer from diabetes. As a result, diabetes is considered a major risk factor for heart problems, but the good news is that this particular risk factor is controllable. With some effort on your part, the chances of your cardiovascular system being impacted by diabetes can be reduced drastically. Why Are Diabetics More Vulnerable to Heart Disease Diabetes is a manageable condition, so it generally does not lead to heart disease all by itself. However, it can affect the body in such ways that it becomes more susceptible to other diseases, such as:

• obesity
• high cholesterol levels
• insufficient physical activity
• hypertension

Insulin resistance often makes people gain weight faster because their bodies are incapable of disposing glucose quickly and efficiently. As a result, they eventually grow obese and start to get less and less exercise. Inactivity and obesity are major risk factors for hypertension, which in its turn is a risk factor for heart disease. As you can see, all these health conditions are interconnected, and having diabetes is bound to increase your risk of suffering from major cardiovascular problems. Minimizing Heart Disease Risk Factors In Diabetics Most diabetes patients are affected by at least one of the cardiovascular disease risk factors listed above. To minimize their impact on a diabetic’s health, it is crucial to manage both diabetes and the risk factor diseases. To manage diabetes effectively, it is recommended to do the A1C test regularly, so that you can see not only the short-term changes in your blood sugar, but also the average level of glucose in your blood in the last three months. This information can help you make more informed decisions regarding your diet and lifestyle choices, as well as provide your healthcare provider with an insight of your current health condition. Targeting your blood pressure is another important way to minimize your cardiovascular risk. For diabetics the normal blood pressure values may be a bit higher as compared to those of healthier people, so it is a good idea to consult your doctor about that. If your blood pressure exceeds the recommended range on a regular basis, you might have to get some medications for it. Untreated hypertension leads to damaged blood vessels and major health problems over time. The most impactful way to reduce your cardiovascular risk is to lead a healthy lifestyle. If you are a smoker, it is advisable that you stop smoking as soon as possible, which will reduce the pressure on your cardiovascular system and lead to overall better health. High blood glucose levels can be managed by eating a healthier diet with plenty of vegetables and lentils. Finally, make sure to get enough exercise (the recommended minimum is at least 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week), but consult a medical practitioner first so that you know that it is safe for you.