If you have diabetes, you already know it affects how your body handles sugar (glucose). But did you know it can also have a serious impact on your heart health? People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing heart problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. It’s important to understand how diabetes affects the heart and what steps you can take to protect it.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Heart?
Diabetes can damage the heart and blood vessels in several ways, especially when blood sugar levels are not well controlled:
- High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is common in people with diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar can harm your blood vessels, causing them to become narrower. This makes it harder for blood to flow, and your heart has to work harder, which raises your blood pressure. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart failure, kidney problems, and strokes.
- Atherosclerosis (Clogged Arteries): Diabetes can lead to a condition called atherosclerosis, where the arteries get clogged with fatty deposits, also known as plaque. When blood sugar is too high for too long, it can damage the blood vessels and cause plaque to build up. This makes the arteries stiff and narrow, which reduces blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. It can also increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Bad Cholesterol (LDL) and Good Cholesterol (HDL): People with diabetes often have higher levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and lower levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, while HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood. This imbalance makes the heart more vulnerable to disease.
- Inflammation: High blood sugar can cause inflammation in the body, including the blood vessels. This inflammation can damage the blood vessels over time and lead to heart disease. It also makes it easier for plaque to form in the arteries, which can cause blockages and lead to heart attacks or strokes.
- Blood Clots: Diabetes can increase the risk of blood clotting, which means that blood clots can form more easily. If a clot blocks a blood vessel, it can reduce or stop blood flow to the heart or brain, causing a heart attack or stroke.
Why Are People with Diabetes at Higher Risk of Heart Disease?
Several factors explain why diabetes increases the risk of heart disease:
- Poor Blood Sugar Control: The higher your blood sugar levels, the more damage it does to your blood vessels and heart over time. Keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range helps prevent this damage.
- Long-Term Diabetes: The longer you’ve had diabetes, the more likely it is that it will affect your heart. The damage caused by high blood sugar builds up over time, which increases your risk of heart problems.
- Obesity: Many people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese, which makes heart disease more likely. Extra weight can raise blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar, all of which increase the risk of heart disease.
- Age: As you get older, your risk for heart disease naturally increases. If you have diabetes, this risk is even higher because the combination of aging and diabetes puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels.
- Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise can make the effects of diabetes on the heart worse. These habits can raise blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, which all increase the chances of heart disease.
How to Protect Your Heart Health with Diabetes
The good news is that by making some healthy lifestyle changes, you can reduce the risk of heart disease, even if you have diabetes. Here are some steps you can take to protect your heart:
- Control Your Blood Sugar: The most important thing you can do to protect your heart is keep your blood sugar levels in check. Work with your doctor to create a plan to manage your blood sugar through diet, exercise, and medication, if necessary. Keeping your blood sugar under control can prevent or delay damage to your heart and blood vessels.
- Monitor Your Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is common in people with diabetes, so it’s important to monitor your blood pressure regularly. If your blood pressure is high, work with your doctor to make lifestyle changes or take medications that can help bring it down.
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: A healthy diet can help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Try to limit foods that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, such as fried foods and processed snacks. A healthy diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important for heart health.
- Exercise Regularly: Exercise is key for managing diabetes and heart health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking, swimming, or biking, most days of the week. Exercise helps lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and it also helps keep your heart strong.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing excess weight can help lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. If you’re overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about a weight-loss plan that works for you.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Smoking makes it harder for your blood vessels to carry blood to your heart, and it also increases the risk of atherosclerosis and blood clots.
- Limit Alcohol: Drinking alcohol in excess can raise your blood pressure and add unnecessary calories to your diet. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation, and always discuss your drinking habits with your healthcare provider.
- Take Medications as Prescribed: If your doctor has prescribed medications to help control your blood sugar, blood pressure, or cholesterol, be sure to take them as directed. These medications can help protect your heart and prevent complications from diabetes.
Diabetes can have a major impact on your heart health, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other heart-related problems. However, by managing your blood sugar, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and working with your healthcare provider, you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Regular checkups and making heart-healthy choices, such as eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking, will help you protect your heart and live a healthier life.
