Diabetes and Heart Disease  

If you have diabetes, you are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease than someone without diabetes. And you are likely to get it at a younger age. But there’s good news. You can help control your health risks by making some changes in your life. You can take steps to cut your risk for heart disease by half.

Your main risk factors

Three major risk factors for heart disease in diabetics are high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high levels of fat in the blood (lipids). By controlling these things, you can help keep your heart and arteries healthy and reduce your chances of a heart attack.

• Blood sugar. High blood sugar can make artery walls tough and rough. Plaque (waxy material in the blood) can then build up along the artery walls, making it harder for blood to flow through the arteries.

• Blood pressure. When blood pressure is high all the time it causes your heart to work harder to pump blood. Artery walls become damaged. This increases the risk for plaque buildup.

• Lipids. The body needs some fats (lipids) in the blood to stay healthy, but lipid levels that are too high can damage the artery walls. Lipids include cholesterol and triglycerides. When blood sugar is high, the level of triglycerides and bad cholesterol in the blood may also be high. High blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels can cause plaque to form. 

Other risk factors

Certain lifestyle factors can raise levels of your blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipids. Higher levels raise your risk for heart disease:

• Smoking. Smoking (including e-cigarettes or vaping products) damages the lining of your arteries. This allows plaque to build up in the artery walls. Smoking also constricts (narrows) the arteries. This can raise blood pressure and cause chest pain.
• Inactivity. Not being active makes it harder for your heart to do its work. Inactivity is linked to many other problems, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
• Overweight/Obesity. Being overweight makes it harder for your body to use insulin. It also makes your heart work too hard. Being overweight is also the main contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes and increases your risk for heart disease.

Changes you can make 

The simple steps below can help keep your risk factors under control. Work with your healthcare team to reach your goals.

• Quit smoking. Quitting smoking could save your life. If you smoke and need help quitting, talk to your healthcare team. 
• Monitor your blood sugar. Checking your blood sugar regularly is the only way to know if it's under control. Talk to your healthcare provider on how and when to check your blood sugar. 
• Take your meds. Taking medicines as directed can help control blood sugar, blood pressure, blood clotting, and cholesterol levels.
• Improve your diet. Eating right can reduce your risk factors and help you lose weight. Try to limit the amount of processed or refined carbohydrates. Cut back on your total calories. Eat foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Eat fiber, including vegetables and whole grains, and cut down on salt. A dietitian or diabetes educator can help make a meal plan that works for you—even if you are on a limited budget. 
• Limit alcohol. Drinking alcohol even in low or moderate amounts can increase your body's sensitivity to insulin.
• Exercise. Being active can help reduce your weight, strengthen your heart, and lower your lipid levels and blood pressure. Talk to your healthcare team about forming an exercise plan.
• See your doctor. Keeping your appointments with your healthcare provider helps you stay healthy. Go in for checkups and lab tests as scheduled.

 © The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.