Having an elevated blood glucose level increases your likelihood of suffering from cardiovascular disease, including heart failure. There are ways to reduce your blood glucose and thus reduce your risk of a cardiovascular event. Moving toward living a healthier lifestyle is the first step to controlling blood glucose.
Significance
Uncontrolled blood glucose levels drastically increase your risk of suffering from a coronary related event. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, having diabetes or impaired blood glucose control more than doubles your risk for cardiovascular disease. What's more shocking is that a myocardial infarction for someone with diabetes is more likely to result in death than someone who has a heart attack without diabetes.
Improving Your Prognosis
Uncontrolled blood glucose is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality even in those who are not diseased, according to a study published in "Diabetes Care" in 1998. Researchers analyzed men aged 45 to 55 for 20 years. They were categorized based on results of a two hour oral glucose tolerance test. The men categorized as having a higher concentration of blood glucose following the two hour test were at higher risk of all-cause mortality and morbidity from coronary heart disease. Based on the results of this study, improving your blood glucose at the first sign of a problem may help you prevent your risk of mortality and morbidity.
Blood Glucose Tests
Part of staying healthy is getting routine check ups. During these check ups, your doctor may request an oral glucose tolerance test. This is a test that determines your body's ability to metabolize dietary sugars. The test is performed while you are in a fasting state. You will drink a high-glucose solution, and then your blood glucose is tested approximately every 30 minutes for up to three hours. A normal oral glucose tolerance test reveals a level of less than 140 mg/dL two hours after the solution is drunk.
Ways To Control Blood Glucose
If you have been told that you have high blood glucose, it is never too late to be proactive at reducing your levels. Simple lifestyle choices involving healthy eating, regular exercise, controlling your weight and not smoking may be enough to reduce your blood glucose. Choose a well-balanced diet that reduces your fat, cholesterol and caloric intake and emphasizes fiber. Fit exercise into your daily routine for at least 30 minutes. Lose excess weight and maintain a healthy weight. Finally, if you smoke -- quit.
References
- "Diabetes Care"; High Blood Glucose Concentration is a Risk Factor For Mortality in Middle-Aged Non-Diabetic Men. A 20-year Follow-up in the Whitehall Study , The Paris Prospective Study and the Helsinki Policemen Study; B. Balkau, et al.; 1998
- Medline Plus; Glucose Tolerance Test; David C. Dugdale, III, MD; May 23, 2010
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse; Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke; December 2005
- "Diabetes Care"; Blood Glucose and Heart Failure in Nondiabetic Patients; C. Nielsin, et al.; 2005
