Diabetes can have several health complications, including excess growth, low blood sugar, respiratory distress syndrome, and an increased risk for heart attack. Heart disease and diabetes are also linked in that they have similar risk factors such as weight, inactivity, family history and age. A healthy diet can help diabetics stay healthy and prevent heart disease.
Increased Risk
People with diabetes have about twice the risk of having a heart attack or stroke as people without diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. The American Heart Association states that heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death and disability among people with type 2 diabetes. Heart disease or stroke eventually kill about 65 percent of people with this form of diabetes.
Prevention
People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease because they often suffer from high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and high triglycerides, obesity, lack of physical activity and poorly controlled blood sugar. Still, the American Heart Association says that diabetes is one of six largely controllable risk factors for heart disease. By maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, avoiding smoking and eating right, people with diabetes can help prevent heart disease
A Healthy Diet
Persons with diabetes must be sure to control their blood sugar by maintaining a healthy diet and taking insulin and oral medications prescribed by their doctor. Eating a healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and non-fat dairy products can help you avoid heart disease by keeping your cholesterol at healthy levels.
Consistency and Moderation
People with diabetes can eat most of the same foods as people without diabetes. The main difference is that diabetics must pay close attention to the amount of food they eat and when they eat. Moderation and consistency are key for diabetics to maintain their health, because the body responds to excess calories and fat by creating an excessive rise in blood sugar.
Exercise
Physical activity is vital for the maintenance of diabetes and the prevention of heart disease. When you exercise, you lower your blood sugar levels because sugar is transported from the blood into cells where it is used for energy. When you exercise, your body needs less insulin due to its increased sensitivity to insulin. Physical activity can also decrease the risk of coronary heart disease, heart attacks and stroke.
