Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, and is often associated with blood sugar management. However, its reach extends far beyond that, significantly impacting one of your most vital organs which is the heart. The link between diabetes and heart disease is strong and complex, making it a critical area for anyone managing or at risk of diabetes to understand.
The statistics suggest that people with diabetes are far more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, than those who don't have diabetes. Indeed, heart disease is the most frequent cause of death in diabetic individuals. This increased risk is a result of a cascade of damage that elevated blood sugar levels can inflict on the body over time.
How Diabetes Harms Your Heart
So, just exactly how does diabetes destroy your cardiovascular system? In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Bhumesh Tyagi, Consultant, General Medicine and Physician at Shardacare, Health City, Noida, explained the multi-faceted assault:
- High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)
- Inflammation
- Dyslipidemia (Elevated Cholesterol)
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Obesity
- Insulin Resistance
Range of Cardiovascular Complications
Dr Tyagi further highlighted that the effect of diabetes on the heart can be seen in several dangerous forms:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The most prevalent heart disease. Fatty deposits in the arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle cut back on blood flow and result in angina (chest pain), heart attack, or sudden cardiac death.
- Heart Failure: Diabetes enhances the risk of heart failure, when the heart cannot provide adequate blood to supply the body's needs. This may result from weakened heart muscle or the stiffening of the heart so that it cannot fill optimally.
- Stroke: If the arteries leading to the brain are compromised by atherosclerosis, then a stroke may result in causing brain injury and permanent disability.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Vascular damage in your legs and feet can cause PAD, leading to pain, numbness, and amputations in extreme cases. Although it does not impact the heart itself, it is a significant predictor of systemic vascular damage.
How To Protect Your Heart When You Have Diabetes
Fortunately, with proactive diabetes management, you can lower your risk of heart complications dramatically. Here's what you can do:
1. Strict Blood Sugar Control
This is the most important. Cooperate with your healthcare team to accomplish and sustain your desired blood glucose levels via diet, exercise, and medication as directed.
2. Control Blood Pressure
Monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis and heed your physician's guidance for maintaining it within a healthy range, most likely through lifestyle adjustments and medication.
3. Maximise Cholesterol Levels
Follow a heart-healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, and if needed, use cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) as recommended by your physician.
4. Support a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
- Balanced Diet: Emphasise whole, unprocessed foods, ample fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, and healthy fats. Restrict saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and excessive salt.
- Regular Exercise: Exert at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week, plus strength-training exercises.
- Maintain Healthy Weight: Shedding a few extra pounds can dramatically improve the health of your heart.
- Stop Smoking: Smoking is a main cause of both diabetes complications and heart disease. If you smoke, quit now and get help to do so.
- Cut Back on Alcohol: If you consume alcohol, limit your use.
5. Regular Check-ups with the Doctor
Regular visits with your doctor are important to track your condition, change medications, and check for early indications of heart disease.
Bottomline
The link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease is certain. But it's not predetermined. By being aware of the risks and taking control of your diabetes through complete lifestyle modifications and medication compliance, you can decrease your risk for developing advanced heart complications and have a healthier, longer life. Take care of your heart – it's an investment that pays divinely.