Diabetes + Heart Disease
Reverse the trend
The trend is disturbing: 4 out of 5 people with diabetes will die of heart disease. Studies also show that people with diabetes are prone to heart disease at a much earlier age than those without diabetes. On average, people who are aged 40 with diabetes have the same level of risk as people without diabetes who are 55 years of age. Good diabetes management is the key to cutting this risk.
Why?
The main culprits:
- High blood glucose levels
- High blood pressure
- Overweight
- Poor cholesterol levels
High blood glucose levels
Glucose from food is carried by the blood to the body’s cells, where it is used for energy. Insulin helps glucose get into the cells.
With diabetes, over time, high blood glucose levels can clog and harden blood vessels, affecting blood flow and causing blood clots – in short, creating the perfect conditions for heart disease.
High blood pressure
Many people with diabetes have high blood pressure. High blood pressure puts a strain on the heart and makes it work harder. It can also damage blood vessels.
Weight
Many people who have diabetes are overweight. Overweight people already have a higher risk of heart disease, and diabetes multiplies this risk even further.
Poor cholesterol levels
A build-up of high levels of LDL fats - the ‘bad’ cholesterol - can narrow and harden the arteries. HDL - the ‘good’ cholesterol - helps to remove deposits in blood vessels, so low HDL will also put you at risk of heart disease.
Find out if you are at high risk of heart attack and stroke.