Risk of Heart disease in Diabetics

Diabetes is a global burden affecting around Five Hundred Million population worldwide. Unfortunately, India has the highest number of diabetics in the world that represents 49% of the world’s diabetes burden. India is the diabetic capital of the world. diabetes is a silent progressive disease without any symptoms at early stage. Hence, diabetes is often termed as a silent killer. This disease if not treated and controlled it can gradually damage heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels. Assess how much you know about this silent killer by clicking the button below.

Diabetes and heart disease go hand in hand. Research data reveals that 65% of diabetic patients suffer from heart diseases or stroke. Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of cardiovascular deaths and stroke than non-diabetics. People with type II diabetes are more prone to the risk. If diabetics have other health risks like hypertension then risks are doubled. Do you know the diabetes-related complications in the heart start 7 years prior to the onset of diabetes? There are several risk factors that promotes heart disease in diabetics. Click the button below to know if you have any one of the risk factors of heart disease?

People suffer heart attack if part of the heart muscle is not getting enough blood due to high sugar in the blood that leads to damage in the blood vessels. If a diabetic has already suffered a heart attack, they have a greater risk of heart failure than non-diabetics. Diabetics suffer from inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to the body that causes heart failure. This is considered to be the most serious cardiovascular complication. Excess sugar in the blood blocks the blood vessels and prevents blood to reach the brain that causes stroke. Diabetics are 1.5 times more likely to encounter stroke than those without diabetes.

High blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. Other health conditions further contribute to increased risk of heart disease like high triglycerides, cholesterol and high blood pressure. These factors lead to hardening of the artery walls and its damage gradually. These health conditions have no symptoms as such. Heart failure is a serious condition, but it doesn’t mean the heart has stopped beating; it means your heart can’t pump blood well. This can lead to swelling in your legs and fluid building up in your lungs, making it hard to breathe. Heart failure tends to get worse over time, but early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve symptoms and stop or delay the condition getting worse.

Are you aware of the reasons that cause heart disease in diabetes? What are the symptoms of heart disease? Get answers to all these questions and know more interesting facts on how to prevent heart disease. Safeguard your family members and yourself now.

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The good news is you can reduce the risk of acquiring a heart disease. Follow the simple ABCDE rule.

A- A1c Test to monitor blood glucose.

A1c test measures your average blood sugar in 2-3 months. Aim to stay with in the normal range of 5.7% or below.

B- Blood Pressure monitoring should be done regularly.

Blood pressure goal for diabetics should be below 140/90 mm Hg.

C- Check the cholesterol level.

Too much of cholesterol (LDL) leads to blockages in the blood vessels of the heart.

D- Diet should be heart friendly.

Opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and trans-fat. Drink more water and avoid sugar sweetened beverages and alcohol.  

E- Exercise daily

Being physically active makes your body more sensitive to insulin (the hormone that allows cells in your body to use blood sugar for energy), which helps manage your diabetes. Physical activity also helps control blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of heart disease. Try to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking.

Being a diabetic does not always mean that one will develop complications like heart disease. But as the old English proverb says, Prevention is always better than cure. You have the power to manage your own risk factors and improve your heart health through lifestyle changes and working with your doctor to create a treatment plan that’s right for you.

But remember one thing, if you have diabetes and are experiencing heart disease symptoms such as pain or pressure in your chest, shortness of breath, or fatigue, you should see your doctor right away.