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Diabetes And Cardiovascular Diseases

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It is a known fact that binging on sweets, sitting for long hours, smoking and bad lifestyle choices pave
way for major health problems. For diabetics, the risk is greater. If not managed properly, diabetes can
lead to various life threatening complications, especially cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure
and coronary artery disease.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of early death among diabetes with 70 per cent dying of
blood coagulation and 65 per cent from heart disease and stroke. Diabetics are twice as likely to suffer
from a heart attack, as compared to people with healthy hearts. Diabetes can damage nerves as well as
blood vessels, so a heart attack can be ‘silent’ without the typical chest pain.
For diabetics, the risk of cardiovascular disease is high due to
• High Blood Pressure
It is common knowledge that high blood pressure is a major cause of cardiovascular disease. When
patients have both diabetes and hypertension, the risk of being affected by cardiovascular disease
doubles.
• Irregular Cholesterol And Triglycerides
Diabetics often have damaging levels of cholesterol including high LDL, low HDL and high triglycerides,
resulting in premature coronary heart disease. A lipid disorder is often connected with insulin resistance
called atherogenic dyslipidemia or diabetic dyslipidemia in diabetics.
• Obesity
One of the major risk factors of cardiovascular disease is obesity. Most obese people suffer from
diabetes and even become insulin resistant.
• No Physical Activity
Lack of physical activity is one of the causes of cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise and weight loss
regime will delay or prevent the onset of diabetes and lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of
heart failure.
• Uncontrolled Blood Sugars
Unregulated and high levels of blood sugar are a cause of diabetes. Medications need to be taken to
manage the levels.
• Smoking
Whether a diabetic or not, any individual who smokes is at the risk of suffering from heart stroke.

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Measures to lower risk of cardiovascular disease:
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight is a cause for heart attack and stroke.
• Get at least an hour of physical activity. Walking, running, swimming, aerobics, or any similar activity
done most days can help with weight loss and lower blood pressure.
• Avoid foods with high levels of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars. Opt for
lean meats, poultry, fish, nuts, fat free milk, and milk products.
• Eat fibrous foods like grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans.
• Quit smoking.
• Consult a doctor about medication.
There is no reason for diabetics to worry. A balanced diet coupled with physical activity and a healthy
lifestyle will keep cardiovascular diseases at bay. Support from family and friends plays an important
role in managing diabetes.
You can get in touch with our consultant specialist Dr Mahadevan, MD, D.Diabetology, at Apollo Clinics
for more inputs on the same.

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