Diabetes affects nearly 40 million people in the United States, and is the nation’s seventh leading cause of death. If you have diabetes, your risk of heart disease increases, too.
Your heart deserves a fighting chance. Schedule an appointment with Muthu Velusamy, MD, FACC, ABVM, and our team at the Cardiovascular Institute of America, with offices in Tampa and Lutz, Florida, for heart disease screening and treatment.
In this month’s blog, we break down how diabetes and heart disease are connected — and how you can protect your heart from the damage uncontrolled diabetes can cause.
Research shows a significant link between diabetes and heart disease, including that heart disease is the primary cause of death in people with diabetes. The reason for this link is complex. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can damage body tissues and organs over time.
In fact, people with diabetes are up to four times more likely to develop heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in the United States. Furthermore, the same unhealthy lifestyle habits that contribute to type 2 diabetes also increase the risk of heart problems.
Here are some effective ways to protect your heart if you have diabetes — or want to reduce your risk of developing either condition:
Check your blood sugar levels regularly, take diabetes medications as instructed by your doctor, and consume a diabetes-friendly diet to keep your blood sugar in check and protect your heart and other organs from damage.
Focus your diet on foods high in protein, heart-healthy fats, and fiber. Avoid eating large portions of carbohydrates, especially refined grains and added sugars. Consider following the Mediterranean diet or other well-balanced, carb-controlled eating plans.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the best ways to better manage or prevent type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. If you struggle to achieve your goal weight, work with a healthcare provider or dietitian to obtain customized diet and exercise plans — and ask about weight loss medications if needed.
Stay active as much as possible throughout the day to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure in check. Get at least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily (or most days), and avoid sitting for long periods. Consider getting a sit-stand desk if you work at a computer.
Poor sleep is a risk factor for obesity and chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep daily. Establish a regular bedtime routine and seek medical care if you have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder that prevents you from sleeping soundly.
Stress can boost blood pressure and hunger hormones. It can also induce junk food cravings, emotional eating, and poor sleep. If you’re stressed, lighten up an overly busy schedule, take a mental health day off from work, and try relaxation techniques like meditation, massage, yoga, tai chi, or spending time outdoors or with loved ones.
Smoking and drinking can negatively affect your blood sugar and increase the risk of heart problems, nerve damage, and other diabetes-related complications. If you don’t drink, don’t start. Seek medical intervention if you struggle to quit smoking or drinking. If you drink alcohol in moderation, check your blood sugar levels regularly.
If you develop heart disease or its risk factors, Dr. Velusamy can help you avoid complications, such as a heart attack and stroke, by better managing your condition. He provides screenings and treatments that support and protect optimal heart health.
To learn more or schedule a visit, contact Cardiovascular Institute of America at one of our three Tampa-area locations: We have one office in Lutz, Florida, and two offices in Tampa.
