What’s the connection between diabetes and heart disease?

Did you know diabetes and heart disease are closely linked? Although one doesn’t directly cause the other, a diabetes diagnosis puts you at increased risk for developing heart disease.

“If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there’s a good chance you’re also living with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and weight issues—all which negatively impact the heart,” says Dina Hulbert, RD, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator at Atlantic Health System.

Understanding how diabetes affects heart health

Diabetes develops when blood sugar levels are too high. Over time, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can damage your blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. High blood pressure can develop for two reasons:

1. The body can’t produce enough insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar)
2. The insulin the body does produce isn’t used effectively (insulin resistance)

As a result, different types of heart disease are directly linked to diabetes. Here are the three most common conditions:

• Coronary artery disease—the narrowing of the main blood vessel that suplies blood to the heart
• Atrial fibrillation—an irregular or rapid heartbeat that can cause blood clots in the heart
• Heart failure—the heart muscle stops pumping and can’t supply the blood your body needs

Prevention happens at home

But there is some good news.

“95% of prevention for diabetes and heart disease happens in your home and is based on your lifestyle choices,” says Dina. “Diet and exercise are the keys to getting control of your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight—and preventing diabetes and heart disease from progressing.”

The ABCs of preventing diabetes and heart disease

Your doctor will recommend screenings, bloodwork, lifestyle changes, and even medications that are tailored to your needs. They will also help you determine your own personal goals for these top three lab test markers:

A.  A1C measures your blood sugar levels, which tracks the average amount of glucose in your blood over a three-month period.

B.  Blood pressure that is consistently too high means your heart is working too hard to pump blood through your arteries.

C.  Cholesterol is measured by three numbers: HDL (happy cholesterol), LDL (lousy cholesterol), and total cholesterol of a combined HDL and LDL.

Beyond these markers, the bulk of diabetes and heart disease prevention can be done at home through your lifestyle choices. Here’s what you can do:

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats
• Stay active with regular exercise at moderate intensity for about 30 minutes, five times a week
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking
• Minimize stress by developing healthy coping and problem-solving skills
• Develop good sleep habits with seven to nine hours of sleep each night
• Take medications as prescribed and see your doctor regularly

“Dietary changes are powerful, and working with a dietitian or nutritionist will help develop an eating program that works for you,” says Dina, who also explains how to make time for wellness.

“Schedule workouts into your calendar for the week. Plan a week’s worth of meals on Sunday night with leftovers. Sit down at the table to enjoy your meal. Above all, be realistic and set one small goal at a time. Lifestyle changes are all about progress, not perfection.”