Diabetes
Can Effect Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular disease is the leading
cause of early death among people with diabetes. Adults with diabetes
are two to four times more likely than people without diabetes
to have heart disease or experience a stroke. At least 65% of people
with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. About 70% of people
with diabetes also have high blood pressure.
Cholesterol, Triglyceride, Weight, and Blood Pressure Problems
Related to Diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes have high rates of cholesterol and
triglyceride abnormalities, obesity, and high blood pressure,
all of which are major contributors to higher rates of cardiovascular
disease. Many people with diabetes have several of these conditions
at the same time. This combination of problems is often called
metabolic syndrome (formerly known as Syndrome X). The metabolic
syndrome is often defined as the presence of any three of the
following conditions: 1) excess weight around the waist; 2) high
levels of triglycerides; 3) low levels of HDL, or "good," cholesterol;
4) high blood pressure; and 5) high fasting blood glucose levels.
If you have one or more of these conditions, you are at an increased
risk for having one or more of the others. The more conditions
that you have, the greater the risk to your health.
Prevent Cardiovascular Problems Due To Diabetes
To protect your heart and blood vessels, eat right, get physical
activity, don’t smoke, and maintain healthy blood glucose,
blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Choose a healthy diet,
low in salt. Work with a dietitian to plan healthy meals. If
you’re overweight, talk about how to safely lose weight.
Ask about a physical activity or exercise program. Quit smoking
if you currently do. Get a hemoglobin A1C test at least twice
a year to determine what your average blood glucose level was
for the past 2 to 3 months. Get your blood pressure checked
at every doctor’s visit, and get your cholesterol checked
at least once a year. Take medications if prescribed by your
doctor.
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