Diabetes: Its Connection to Heart Disease

Although diabetes is treatable, it greatly increases a patient’s risk of heart diseases and stroke. This is because people with diabetes, specifically type 2, may have the following conditions that contribute to their risk for developing cardiovascular disease:

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
• Abnormal Cholesterol and High Triglycerides
• Obesity
• Lack of Physical Activity
• Poorly Controlled Blood Sugars (Too High) or Out of Normal Range
• Smoking

Those with insulin resistance or diabetes in combination with one or more of these risk factors are at even greater risk of heart disease.

4 Most Important Ways To Treat & Prevent Diabetes

More than one in four people over age 65 have diagnosed diabetes, and one in three adults (over age 20) have pre-diabetes. What can you do to stop diabetes from harming your health? Doctors say four things are most important.

1. Get your blood sugar under control. It’s easier today than ever before.
2. Eat the right diet. (Hint: It’s a colorful one!)
3. Commit to regular exercise.
4. Get screened regularly for diabetes.