A significant risk factor for heart disease, diabetes is more than simply a blood sugar issue. Actually, among diabetics, cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality. Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely than those without the disease to die from heart-related problems, according to global health data. This link is a major public health concern in India, where the prevalence of diabetes is startlingly high.
Over time, elevated blood glucose levels can harm blood vessel linings, increasing their susceptibility to atherosclerosis, a disease marked by inflammation and plaque accumulation. The risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure rises as a result of atherosclerosis, which narrows the arteries and lowers blood flow to the heart and brain. Also, diabetes often coexists with obesity, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Early detection and prevention are even more important because South Asians are genetically predisposed to heart disease and insulin resistance. By being aware of these risks and embracing heart-healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular physical activity, taking heart-healthy diet, regular screening, and appropriate medication use, the burden of diabetes-related heart disease can be considerably decreased.
Effect of Diabetes on Heart Health
Did you know?
-Diabetes doubles a person's risk of suffering from heart disease.-Your risk of heart disease increases with the length of time you have diabetes.
-You can lower the risk of heart disorders by modifying certain lifestyle choices.
Cardiovascular disease is one of the many health issues that individuals with diabetes are susceptible to, as you have certainly heard. As it turns out, cardiovascular illness is more prevalent among those with diabetes: The majority of persons with type 2 diabetes will ultimately develop it if blood sugar levels are not controlled optimally.
Globally, the number of diabetics is increasing. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, even though many people may not be aware of this.
According to research, the risk of dying from cardiovascular causes is up to four times higher for those with Type 2 diabetes than for the general population. It's important that your doctor understands the link between these severe, long-term illnesses. Instead of only controlling your blood sugar, you may take preventive measures to lower your risk of heart disease in the future.
Diabetes can damage blood vessels and stiffen the heart muscle, even when you claim that you do not have heart disease at present. Eventually, this causes heart failure, characterised by excessive fluid retention in the body.
Also, those with diabetes are more likely to develop early, accelerated coronary artery disease. This indicates that the artery walls contain more fatty deposits and harden early and without more warning signs than in persons without diabetes. This makes medical care more challenging and accelerates the progression of the disorder. Diabetes thus raises the chance of repeated heart attacks and heart muscle scarring, both of which raise the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Effect of Diabetes on Existing Heart Disease
The heart muscle does not recover after a heart attack as effectively as it would in those without diabetes. Also, there is a far increased chance of complications, such heart failure. Diabetes can damage nerves, making it difficult for patients to experience chest pain or other chest discomfort that could indicate a heart condition. As a result, heart disease may go undetected until it is advanced and treatment choices are limited. They could potentially experience "silent heart attacks" due to the absence of warning indicators. It's possible that they are unaware that their illness has progressed.Tips to Prevent Heart Disease in Diabetic Individuals
Stick to following tips to prevent and check the occurrence or progression of heart disease in diabetic individuals:1. Adopt Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Habits
- Quit Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease, especially in people with diabetes. Quitting is one of the most impactful steps toward heart health.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing excess weight helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol—all of which are major cardiovascular risk factors.
- Stay Physically Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and strengthens the heart.
- Follow a Balanced Diet: Emphasize whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reduce intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and trans fats.
2. Control Cardiovascular Risk Factors
- Manage Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is common in people with diabetes and significantly increases heart disease risk. Monitor it regularly and follow your doctor’s advice.
- Keep Cholesterol in Check: Unhealthy lipid levels can accelerate artery damage. Medication and diet changes may be necessary to achieve healthy levels.
- Achieve Optimal Blood Sugar Control: Target your HbA1c levels as recommended by your healthcare provider to minimize long-term damage to blood vessels and nerves.
3. Leverage Medical Advancements
- Use Advanced Cardiac Imaging: Tools like echocardiography, cardiac CT, and MRI allow for earlier detection of heart complications in diabetic patients—even before symptoms appear.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: New research is utilizing AI and big data to tailor medications and therapies that work best for individual patients with diabetes. Stay engaged in these discussions with your care team.
4. Practice Consistent Self-Management
- Routine Monitoring: Keep track of your blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid profile. Use apps or logs if needed.
- Regular Health Check-Ups: Schedule routine visits with your endocrinologist and cardiologist. Early intervention is key.
- Education & Support: Participate in diabetes education programs. Understanding your condition empowers better self-care and long-term outcomes.
5. Collaborate with Your Healthcare Team
- Managing both diabetes and heart health requires ongoing teamwork between you and your medical professionals. Stay proactive, ask questions, and follow through with recommended screenings and medications.
Conclusion
Although diabetes and heart disease are chronic disorders that are mainly irreversible, novel therapies may lower your chance of developing heart issues. You can have a more productive and healthy quality of life if you receive the right advice and management tips from your diabetes care team and heart health specialists.Learn about the effect of diabetes on heart health and expert prevention tips to reduce cardiovascular risk from our cardiologists at Asian Heart Institute. Book your consultation now for personalised advice!
FAQs
Q1: Which cardiac conditions are more prevalent among diabetics?A: A person with diabetes has an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.
Q2: How often should a diabetic get their heart testing done?
A: At least once a year, or more regularly if there are other risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or abnormal cholesterol.
Q3: Is it possible to prevent heart disease by controlling diabetes?
A: Without a doubt. The risk of heart disease is greatly reduced by controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels as well as by making lifestyle modifications.
