How To Keep Your Heart Healthy If You Have Diabetes
Oct. 17, 2023
To protect the health of your heart, you should check your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels regularly. Controlling blood pressure and hypercholesterolemia is also significant in lowering risk factors. To protect your heart health, receiving aid to quit smoking is very vital. Individuals with diabetes can dramatically lower their risk of cardiovascular events by adopting a healthy lifestyle and ensuring their general health and quality of life by taking immediate action to manage these risk factors.
Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease over time due to its effects on blood sugar levels. Even mildly raised blood sugar levels might cause vascular damage and significant heart problems.
Sugar binds to red blood cells and accumulates in the blood when it is not used properly by the body. These buildups can damage the heart by clogging its blood vessels, depriving it of essential oxygen and nutrients.
Maintaining HbA1c levels in the correct range is very important to protect your blood vessels and your heart health. Even little increases in blood sugar levels over time can increase your chances of developing heart disease. You must understand your HbA1c values and how to reduce them if they are elevated. Diabetes patients can considerably lower their risk of heart disease and improve their overall cardiovascular health by closely managing their blood sugar levels. Maintaining a healthy heart requires regular check-ups and the correct diabetes treatment.
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High blood sugar levels have been linked to heart disease, but it is crucial to highlight that blood vessels are also damaged by high cholesterol (blood fats) and high blood pressure.
Elevated cholesterol levels can cause an accumulation of extra fat on the walls of blood vessels, which hardens into plaque over time. Arteriosclerosis, often known as atherosclerosis, is a common cause of heart attacks. Plaque buildup reduces blood flow and increases the chance of blood cells clotting by narrowing the space within blood vessels. A blood clot that breaks free and obstructs a narrow part of the arteries or veins can deprive the heart of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in a heart attack.
PVD, a disorder in which blood vessels narrow in other body parts, such as the legs and feet, can also result from restricted blood vessels caused by atherosclerosis. PVD, if left untreated, can cause serious complications, including the risk of amputation.
Aside from these precautions, individuals can make further efforts to reduce their risk of heart disease. A holistic approach to heart health and diabetes control can improve general well-being and lower the risk of cardiac problems.
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People with diabetes are already at increased risk of heart disease and stroke. However, certain factors can further elevate these risks:
Smoking is a big risk factor for heart disease and is considerably more dangerous for diabetics. Smoking and diabetes both restrict blood vessels, exacerbating the possible damage and raising the risk of long-term health issues like lung illness, lower leg infections, ulcers, and the likelihood of foot or limb amputation.
Diabetics who simultaneously have high blood pressure put extra strain on their hearts and blood vessels. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause heart damage and blood vessel difficulties, as well as raise the risk of heart attacks, strokes, eye and renal complications.
High levels of LDL cholesterol (also known as "bad" cholesterol) can cause plaque buildup in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol (often known as "good" cholesterol), on the other hand, have been associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Controlling cholesterol levels through food, exercise, and, if necessary, medication is critical for heart health.
Obesity and belly fat can aggravate diabetes and increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Excess belly fat, especially in people who are not overweight, is linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Heart disease and chronic kidney disease are closely linked, and diabetes is a risk factor for developing kidney disease. Diabetes and high blood pressure make people more vulnerable to kidney injury. Regular kidney disease testing and management of linked health disorders can help safeguard renal health and lower the risk of cardiac difficulties.
A family history of heart disease can further increase a person's chances of developing the condition. If close relatives have had heart attacks before the age of 50, the risk of heart disease doubles.
In conclusion, people with diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke due to the combination of high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It is critical to manage blood glucose levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure through lifestyle changes and suitable drugs to protect heart health. Individuals with diabetes can greatly lower their risk of heart-related issues and enjoy healthier, more rewarding lives by taking preventive actions. Regular check-ups, healthy practices, and a focus on general well-being are critical measures in protecting heart health.
The Bethaniya Clinic emphasizes the importance of nutrition in maintaining health and preventing disease. Recognizing that many degenerative disorders are caused by heavy metal accumulation, excessive free radical damage, and a lack of protective nutrients in the diet, we work to integrate various disciplines, such as conventional medicine, nutrition, orthomolecular medicine, Ayurvedic treatment, and Yoga, to provide optimal solutions for our patient's health issues.
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