Heart Health and Diabetes - All You Need to Know

Diabetes and heart disease are two interrelated health conditions that often occur together. In fact, people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing heart disease than those without diabetes. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control the heart and blood vessels.

If you have diabetes, it is essential to consult with the best diabetologist in Bangalore to take care of your heart health. Here's all you need to know about heart health and diabetes from the words of the best diabetes doctor at Sakra World Hospital.

Does diabetes increase the risk of a heart attack?

Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels, making them stiff and narrow. When the blood vessels become narrower, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through them, leading to high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Diabetes also affects the level of cholesterol in the blood. People with diabetes tend to have higher levels of LDL or "bad" cholesterol, which can build up in the blood vessels and cause blockages. High levels of triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood, are also common in people with diabetes and can increase the risk of heart disease.

How to lower the risk of heart disease when you have diabetes?

The good news is that you can take steps to lower your risk of heart disease when you have diabetes. Here are some tips recommended by the best diabetes specialist:

Control your blood sugar levels: Keeping your blood sugar levels in the target range can prevent or delay the development of complications, including heart disease.

Maintain your blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure is a significant contributing factor to the development of heart disease. Work with your healthcare team to manage your blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medications.

Maintain a healthy weight: Losing weight can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Aim for a healthy BMI (body mass index) between 18.5 and 24.9.

Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels, improve blood pressure, and boost heart health. Strive to engage in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for a minimum of 150 minutes every week.

Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help manage blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Consume a lot of healthy fats, lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease and other health problems. Abstaining from smoking is one of the most beneficial habits you can take for your overall health.

Take medications as prescribed: If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, take medications as prescribed by your healthcare team. These medications can help lower your risk of heart disease.

In conclusion, diabetes and heart disease are closely related, and people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing heart disease. However, by controlling blood sugar levels, managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and taking medications as prescribed, you can lower your risk of heart disease and live a healthier life. You can visit Sakra World Hospital, a diabetic hospital in Bangalore to develop a personalized plan to manage your diabetes and protect your heart health.

Doctor

Dr Manjunath Malige

Director - Diabetes & Endocrinology

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Heart Health and Diabetes - All You Need to Know

Does diabetes increase the risk of a heart attack?

How to lower the risk of heart disease when you have diabetes?

Doctor

Dr Manjunath Malige

Director - Diabetes & Endocrinology

Sakra Centre of Excellence

Sakra Specialities

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Heart Health and Diabetes - All You Need to Know

Does diabetes increase the risk of a heart attack?

How to lower the risk of heart disease when you have diabetes?

Doctor

Dr Manjunath Malige

Director - Diabetes & Endocrinology

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