Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when your body’s blood sugar levels are too high. It is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

Diabetes is associated with numerous health conditions, with heart disease ranking among the most severe. Diabetes and heart disease are linked, and diabetes is now identified as a major risk factor for heart disease.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that arises when your body can’t regulate your blood sugar (glucose) properly. Your body’s primary source of energy is glucose.

Insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas, aids your body in converting blood sugar into energy. Diabetes occurs when your body either cannot produce enough insulin or does not use it efficiently.

The Link between Diabetes and Heart Disease

Diabetes is recognised as a significant risk factor for heart disease. Studies indicate that people who have diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease than people who do not have the condition.

When blood sugar levels are high, it can cause damage to the arteries leading to the heart, leading to heart disease. High levels of glucose in the blood can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Over time, the buildup can narrow the arteries, limiting blood flow to the heart, and raising the risk of heart disease.

How Diabetes Affects Heart Health

Diabetes can affect heart health in several ways. One way is by causing the blood vessels to narrow, which can restrict blood flow to the heart.

High blood sugar levels can also cause damage to blood vessels, leading to a condition known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels, causing them to become narrow and hardened and the flow of blood to be restricted.

Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common occurrence among people with diabetes. High blood pressure can make it more difficult for the heart to function properly, which can lead to heart disease.

It is vital to controlling blood pressure levels to maintain good heart health.

Diabetes and Cholesterol

Cholesterol is another factor affecting heart health. People with diabetes have higher levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL) than people who do not have diabetes.

High levels of LDL cholesterol can cause artery damage, leading to heart disease.

Diabetes and Obesity

Obesity is a significant risk factor for both diabetes and heart disease. People with diabetes who are overweight are more likely to develop heart disease than those who maintain a healthy weight.

Extra weight, particularly around the waist, can contribute to heart disease by increasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Diabetes Prevention

Managing diabetes is critical to reducing the risk of heart disease.

Taking steps to control blood sugar levels, managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can all help reduce the risk of both diabetes and heart disease.

Treatment

Treatment for diabetes typically includes lifestyle modifications, medication, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels. Lifestyle modifications include eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, losing weight, and quitting smoking.

In some cases, medication may be necessary to control blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

The Bottom Line

Diabetes is recognised as a major risk factor for heart disease.

Taking measures to keep blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels under control, maintaining a healthy weight, and living an active lifestyle can all contribute to reducing the risk of both diabetes and heart disease.