Reducing Your Risk of Heart Disease When You Have Diabetes

Diabetes

More than 18 million Americans are affected by diabetes, a serious, chronic condition associated with numerous health complications. Diabetes is easy to diagnose by testing blood glucose levels, but one-third of diabetics don't know they have the disease. Although there is no cure, early detection, appropriate treatment, education, and a healthy lifestyle can help you avoid or delay diabetes-related complications.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

CVD is the leading cause of death in the US and the primary reason for heart attack and stroke. It is also the most common complication associated with diabetes. Diabetics are two to four times more likely than the general population to have CVD, and they experience heart attacks earlier in life. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), 80% of people with diabetes will develop cardiovascular disease, and 65% will die from it.

Women Are at Increased Risk

Women are at special risk, and they account for over half of people with diabetes. A recent study examined the impact of diabetes on death from all causes in women by using data from the Nurses Health Study. Established in 1976, this study followed over 120,000 registered nurses for 20 years. It concluded that women with diabetes appear to lose their usual female advantage regarding heart disease, and are more likely to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol than non-diabetic women.

Blood Glucose

High blood glucose levels can damage your heart and blood vessels and lead to CVD. Therefore, it is important to regularly monitor and control your blood glucose levels.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a substance that is an important component of cell membranes as well as a building block necessary in the production of many hormones. However, abnormally high levels of cholesterol contribute to formation of fatty deposits (plaques) within the walls of blood vessels, which in turn lead to development of coronary artery disease. Cholesterol is transported through the bloodstream by high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). LDL is frequently called “bad cholesterol” as it promotes accumulation of cholesterol in the walls of your arteries. Diabetes tends to make the LDL particles more likely to stick to and damage artery walls. HDL cholesterol is sometimes referred to as "good" cholesterol. It helps clear excess cholesterol from your body. Its level is raised mostly by regular exercise.

A recent report by the American College of Physicians recommends that anyone with diabetes, who also has known CVD or risk factors for CVD, take medication, specifically statins, to control cholesterol, even if cholesterol levels are currently normal.

Blood Pressure

Narrow blood vessels are one reason for high blood pressure (eg, hypertension), a condition shared by nearly three-quarters of adults with diabetes. Because high blood pressure can make some of the complications of diabetes worse, the ADA recently recommended aggressive treatment of hypertension for people with diabetes.

The primary groups of medications recommended to treat high blood pressure in diabetics are angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-inhibitors) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) which may provide addition protection for the cardiovascular system and the kidneys beyond simply reducing the blood pressure.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Work with your doctor to devise an eating plan that you can follow. Include foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fiber; consume salt and alcohol in moderation; choose fats that help lower cholesterol; and eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. A healthy diet can help manage your CVD risk by lowering your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.

Another study using data from the Nurses Health Study examined dietary fat and cholesterol and the risk of CVD among women with diabetes. Between 1976 and 1996, women with diabetes were periodically sent dietary questionnaires. Analyses showed that diets higher in saturated fat and cholesterol were associated with higher risk for CVD, and that healthy fats conferred protective heart benefits.

Increase Physical Activity

Being physically active every day for 30 minutes or more will have broad health benefits. Find ways to incorporate extra movement into your day—walk briskly for 30 minutes, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park a little farther away from your destination than usual. Start slowly and build up your strength and endurance. Being physically active can be very enjoyable, and it’s good for your health!

Lose Weight

Eating a healthy diet, reducing your calorie intake, and increasing your physical activity will all help you lose weight if needed. Weight loss and increased activity can also increase your healthy HDLs.

Try to Quit Smoking

If you are thinking about quitting, there are many smoking cessation programs and support groups which can help you. The benefits of quitting are both immediate and long-lasting.