Ask The Expert
Complications

Yes, it is very true that diabetes can affect the heart.

Some disturbing facts:

• According to the American Heart Association, adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or suffer a stroke than people without diabetes.
• According to Diabetes Spectrum, Summer, 2008, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes.
• If you are middle-aged and have type 2 diabetes, your chance of having a heart attack is as high as someone without diabetes who has already had one heart attack.
• Diabetes Spectrum further reported that in a 2002 survey of people in the U.S. with diagnosed diabetes, 68% did not consider themselves at risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Why is there a relationship between heart disease and diabetes?

• High blood glucose levels over time can damage blood vessels, resulting in blood vessel walls that are thicker and less elastic; this makes it more difficult for the blood to pass through.
• Many people with diabetes also have abnormal blood fats (also called lipids, which include cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL) caused both by poorly controlled diabetes as well as poor diet. Elevated lipids can further clog blood vessels, increasing your risk of a heart attack, stroke, or poor circulation in your legs.
  

What you can do to stay heart healthy:

• Stay active: Physical activity is considered so crucial to your heart health that the American Heart Association recognizes physical inactivity as one of the major risk factors for heart disease!
• Control your blood glucose levels: Maintain your blood glucose range as close to normal levels as possible. That includes an A1C of under 7.
• Control your blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage not only your heart but also your kidneys. The ADA recommended goal is under 130/80.
• Control your lipids: Exercise will help to increase your heart-protective HDL-cholesterol, while weight loss and a healthy diet will lower your LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) as well as your cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Control your weight: The foods you eat affect your blood glucose levels, your lipids, and your weight. Aim to get your entire family on track with healthy eating and exercise habits.
• Stop Smoking: Everyone knows that smoking is not good for you, but if you have diabetes and smoke, you increase your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease threefold.
• Ask your doctor if aspirin is right for you: Studies show that taking aspirin may help prevent heart attacks. Do not start taking aspirin without your doctor's OK, since certain medical conditions might prevent you from being able to take this medication.