In recognition of American Diabetes Month, Marina L. Wittensoldner, APRN-CNP of Aultman Deuble Heart and Vascular Hospital Cardiovascular Consultants, provides an overview of the connection between diabetes and heart health.

Did you know that diabetes can affect your heart health? In fact, diabetes puts you at twice the risk for heart disease compared to people who do not have diabetes. Here’s what you need to know to lower your risk.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is the body’s inability to appropriately process blood glucose (sugar). Type 1 diabetes means the pancreas does not make the insulin necessary to transport glucose into your cells to use as fuel. Type 2 diabetes means your body does not make enough insulin, which causes high blood glucose levels.

How can diabetes affect the heart and circulatory system?

People with diabetes, especially uncontrolled diabetes, are at greater risk of having cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetic cardiomyopathy.

CAD is the buildup of plaque in the vessels that carry oxygen and blood to the heart. Plaque is made of cholesterol deposits, which narrow the inside of arteries and decrease blood flow. This process is called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. When plaque blocks off the vessel, it is known as a heart attack.

Diabetes causes a two- to four-fold higher risk of developing CAD compared to people without diabetes. Diabetes speeds up the accumulation of plaque in multiple ways, including through high blood sugar, insulin resistance, high cholesterol levels and greater inflammation. People with diabetes also have an increased risk of plaque rupturing, which can cause blood clots that could lead to stroke.

The connection between diabetes and CAD works both ways: People who already have CAD are at a higher risk to develop Type 2 diabetes. CAD and diabetes have a shared genetic pathway in both conditions. Adequate blood sugar control, with a goal of an A1C of less than 7%, has been recommended to help reduce the risk of dysfunction in small blood vessels that can lead to CAD and heart attacks.

How can you reduce your risk?

Diabetes can be manageable with effort. Diabetes can be managed with:

• Weight loss with a goal BMI of 18.5-24.9
• Diet with low carbohydrate intake and high fiber intake
  
  
• Added cardio aerobic exercise of 45 minutes at least five days a week

If you or someone you know is struggling with blood sugar management, discuss it with your primary care provider or endocrinologist. Your providers may be able to refer you to a diabetes educator or dietitian. Strict control over these risk factors takes diligence and strong effort but, in the end, it is worth it.

Sources:
American Diabetes Association
American Heart Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
MedlinePlus.gov