Diabetes is a disease caused by the body's inability to regulate blood glucose levels. In a healthy person, the pancreas secretes the hormone insulin to process glucose in the bloodstream. A person with diabetes either does not produce enough insulin or develops an insulin resistance. This results in a buildup of glucose in the blood. Diabetes is a disease that is manageable when diagnosed and treated early; however, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications, including various heart problems, or may even be fatal.
Hypertension
Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood flow in the blood vessels. Over time, uncontrolled diabetes leads to fatty deposits, known as plaque, in the blood vessels. This results in narrowing of the arteries and forces the heart to pump harder to supply the body with enough blood, resulting in hypertension. Systolic pressure measures the force of a contraction of the heart; diastolic pressure measures the relaxing between heartbeats. According to the American Diabetes Association, high blood pressure is considered to be greater than 130 mg/dL systolic or greater than 80 mg/dL diastolic, or 130/80 mg/dL. Blood pressure may be treated with medication prescribed by a physician. Lifestyle changes, including weight loss, a healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking and moderate alcohol consumption, can help to reduce blood pressure.
Heart Disease or Stroke
According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), a person with diabetes is twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke than a person without the disease. The buildup of plaque may eventually lead to narrowing of the arteries known as heart disease. This affects blood flow and could lead to atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries. A complete blockage of the artery deprives the heart and brain of oxygen, leading to a heart attack or stroke. The NDIC states that a person can lower the risk of developing heart disease or stroke by following the ABC's of diabetes: "A" stands for hemoglobin A1C, a test that measures the average blood glucose level over two to three months; hemoglobin A1C should be less than 7 percent. "B" stands for blood pressure; recommended blood pressure levels are less than 130/80 mm/Hg. "C" stands for cholesterol; total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol less than 100mg/dL and triglycerides less than 150 mg/dL. Men should aim for HDL cholesterol of 40 mg/dL or higher, and women should have an HDL level of 50 mg/dL or higher.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), occurs when the arteries in the legs narrow due to plaque buildup. This results in reduced blood flow to the legs and feet. According to the American Diabetes Association, having diabetes puts a person at a greater risk for developing PAD along with heart disease or stroke. The onset of PAD can be delayed or even prevented with several lifestyle changes. Increased physical activity, weight loss, a reduction in blood pressure, decreased cholesterol levels and quitting smoking are all ways to prevent PAD. Symptoms include numbness or tingling in the feet, poor healing of infections and leg pain aggravated by activity. If symptoms arise, contact a health care professional immediately.
