Diabetes and Heart Disease

Diabetes is a serious and rapidly spreading problem, affecting over 18 million Americans every year. The worst thing about it is that most of these people are not even aware of suffering from this disease. In diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin, causing unhealthy levels of glucose to build up in the blood stream.

There are two types of diabetes. Type I diabetes which has an early onset, that is caused by both environmental and genetics factors and Type II diabetes that is more common and prevalent among people. This type of diabetes is caused by obesity, an inactive lifestyle and usually occurs after the age of 40.

So what does diabetes have to do with heart disease? You might be surprised by the answer but … A lot actually!

Diabetes Increases the Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the most common reason for death in Type II diabetics. This is because people with diabetes have more blocked blood vessels than those who are not diabetic. Additionally, these blockages are more complicated as the blood vessels are calcified or filled with calcium and become hard.

Heart Attacks occur frequently in Diabetics

Diabetics suffer from heart attacks more frequently as the size of the heart tends to get bigger. This happens because diabetes affects the nerves and a diabetic does not feel angina symptoms as much as a normal person. In fact, silent heart attacks are very common among diabetics.

Diabetes Increases the risk of Developing Small Vessel Disease

In small vessel disease, blood vessels of the eyes and kidneys are affected due to lack of proper blood circulation. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in most people.

Diabetes Causes High Levels of Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat present in the blood stream. If these fats build up in excess around the arteries, they can clog the arteries and thus, increase the risk of stroke and arterial blockages. This shows that people suffering from diabetes are at a greater risk for developing various heart problems.

The good news, however, is that even if you are a diabetic, as long as you control your blood sugar level and follow the doctors orders, you can lead a normal and healthy life. Research shows that once diabetics control their blood sugar, they suffer from fewer complications of this disease.

Here are a few things you can do to keep both diabetes and heart disease at bay:

• Keep your blood sugar level under control. It is the most important thing a diabetic can do to prevent heart disease and other complications.
• Check your blood sugar level every other day. Remember, only medicine cannot control your sugar levels, it has to be coupled along with a healthy diet and exercise. Some people can even be taken off the medication if they learn to regulate their blood sugar by working out and eating well.
• It is really important that diabetics lose weight as diabetes; heart disease and obesity go hand in hand. Losing weight not only helps to control the body’s blood sugar but also keeps the body’s blood vessels healthy by pumping oxygen rich blood into the body. Losing weight not only keeps you healthy but also reduces your risk of heart diseases and diabetes.
• Physical activity is very important for a diabetic. A healthy diet coupled with regular exercise regime helps the body to function properly and use the excess glucose in the blood stream. Speak to your doctor before you start exercise so that you can choose a work out that’s ideal for your body. Simply walking a mile or two a day is sometimes enough.
• Control your blood pressure. Many diabetics suffer from blood pressure problems, especially from high blood pressure. This in turn makes a diabetic person a high risk candidate for a stroke. It also increases risk for heart disease and kidney problems. By losing weight and exercising you can keep not only fit, but control your blood pressure as well.
• Stop smoking. Smoking for a diabetic can be suicide as smoking damages the already damaged blood vessels from diabetes. If you are a diabetic and smoke, you are actually doubling your risk for heart disease. So quit smoking and stay fit.

It is important to remember that diabetes and heart disease are related. But this problem is easy to overcome. By making simple lifestyle changes and habits you can go on to lead a healthy normal life.