Diabetes is known to alter blood sugar control, but its effect extends far beyond that. Diabetes can substantially increase the risk of heart disease. Studies show that diabetic patients, particularly Type 2, are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases than people without Diabetes.
Connection Between Diabetes and your Heart Health
Diabetes alters blood vessel function by causing enhanced inflammation of arteries, leading to high blood pressure and plaque accumulation, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This can, in turn, stress the heart over time and increase the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
For diabetics it is necessary to control both blood sugar as well as heart risk factors simultaneously. Diabetes often begins silently, and heart diseases may begin asymptotically without appearing symptoms; therefore, early intervention becomes essential.
How Blood Sugar and Insulin Resistance Affect the Heart
Diabetic patients cannot keep their blood sugar levels stabilized, especially when their bodies experience the phenomenon of insulin resistance common with type 2 diabetes.
When the body experiences insulin resistance, that is, overproduction of the level of insulin-regulating blood sugar, it can cause inflammation and increase blood pressure, which damages blood vessels and heart tissue.
It is at the linings of the blood vessels that excess glucose in people with Diabetes damages blood vessels by causing clots, blockages, and weakening the heart’s structure.
Symptoms To be Aware of
Since heart complications are a common problem associated with a high risk, an awareness of initial symptoms in diabetics that may hint towards heart disease is imperative, as these may be the early warning signals:
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Irregular heartbeat
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Dullness or pain in the limbs
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Unexplained fatigue
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Chest pain or discomfort
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Shortness of breath
Prevention and Risk Reduction
Here are five preventive measures that can help in lowering the risk associated with diabetes and heart health.
Manage blood pressure and cholesterol: Medication or lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, may regulate the levels. Patients are often placed on statins, with hoped for intent to lower their cholesterol and subsequent risk to their heart disease.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Regularly monitoring and controlling blood sugar levels at various intervals can help reduce vascular damage and maintain heart health. It is recommended to undergo A1C tests at regular intervals to monitor average blood sugar levels over time.
Staying Physically Active: Regular Exercise will make your body more sensitive to insulin and thus keep blood sugar in check. Therefore, it is a two-fold benefit for diabetics: strengthening the heart and lowering blood pressure.
Healthy Diet for Your Heart: Eat more vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit processed foods. A diet high in fiber and low in added sugars will help keep your blood sugar and cholesterol within normal ranges. Having less saturated fats also works for your heart.
Quit Smoking: Smoking raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which causes adverse heart conditions. People with Diabetes should never smoke since it further stresses the cardiovascular system.
The intricate relationship between Diabetes and heart disease is severe and complex. People with Diabetes must know that heart health is closely linked to blood sugar control.
FAQ on Diabetes and Heart Health
How does sugar cause heart disease?
When the body experiences insulin resistance, that is, overproduction of the level of insulin-regulating blood sugar, it can cause inflammation and increase blood pressure, which damages blood vessels and heart tissue. It is at the linings of the blood vessels that excess glucose in people with Diabetes damages blood vessels by causing clots, blockages, and weakening the heart’s structure.
What causes heart failure in diabetics?
Decreased blood flow to the heart can cause a heart attack or heart failure.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
