Heart Disease and Diabetes
The number one cause of diabetes-related death is some type of heart disease or stroke. According to the American Diabetes Association, two out of every three people with Type 2 diabetes die due to cardiovascular disease. Despite these facts, most people with diabetes are unaware of the connection between diabetes, heart attack and stroke. A survey conducted by the American Diabetes Association in 2009 revealed that 68 percent of people with diabetes did not feel that they were at risk for cardiovascular disease, and 60 percent of diabetics surveyed did not feel high blood pressure or cholesterol was an area of concern for them. Despite common perceptions, the majority of people with diabetes have high blood pressure or problems with blood lipids and cholesterol.
Contributing Conditions
One of the reasons diabetics experience greater risk is that they are more likely to have certain conditions that contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. A person with Type 2 diabetes has two to four times the chances of experiencing a heart attack as someone without diabetes. The American Heart Association cites the following conditions as those typically found in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Obesity has been associated with insulin resistance, which is in turn has been identified as a contributing factor to heart disease. Obesity and insulin have also been associated with high blood pressure, which is yet another risk factor for heart disease.
Lack of exercise is another factor. The benefits of physical activity include increased insulin sensitivity, weight loss, decreased cholesterol, reduced blood pressure and more. Regular exercise can prevent or improve Type 2 diabetes.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure is also associated with insulin resistance.
Dyslipidemia is a condition characterized by abnormal blood lipids, such as high levels of triglycerides, low levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and high levels of LDL cholesterol (harmful cholesterol). This profile is conducive to fatty build-ups in artery walls and is often seen in people with early stages of coronary artery disease.
Diabetes and Vascular Health
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood, and an inability of the body to respond correctly to insulin. Excess blood sugar can lead to damage of blood vessel walls. Fatty deposits adhere more easily to damaged areas and cause narrowing and blockage in arteries which contribute to heart attack and stroke. Proper management of blood sugar levels can minimize damage to blood vessels and diminish the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Decreasing Risk
Having Type 2 diabetes doesn't mean that cardiovascular disease or stroke is unavoidable. A comprehensive treatment plan that includes the management of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol is paramount to decreasing the risk of heart disease. Health care practitioners call these essential factors the ABCs of diabetes.
The ABC's are: A1C, which is a physician administered blood test that measures blood sugar control over a three-month period. This test is considered the best way to measure glucose levels over time, and is recommended at least twice a year.
Blood pressure is another factor. It is associated with increased risk for heart disease, and hypertension can only be controlled if it is recognized. People with diabetes should aspire to get their blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg.
Cholesterol is the third factor. Ideally, LDL cholesterol levels should be below 100 mg/dL, and HDL levels should be greater than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women. Cholesterol can be positively impacted with a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight loss and medications. Ceasing to smoke and limiting alcohol intake can also affect cholesterol.
The link between diabetes and heart disease is unmistakable. People with diabetes can reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease and complications by controlling risk factors and managing the ABCs of diabetes.
