More than 100 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes, and heart disease is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes.

The two conditions often go hand in hand, and recent research suggests that the combination of diabetes and heart disease can be deadly.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes sugar, or glucose. The hormone insulin helps move glucose into the cells of the body, where it can be used for energy.

In people with diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly, causing glucose to build up in the bloodstream.

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, is a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.

The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Over time, this can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries, which can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and even a heart attack.

Diabetes and heart disease are closely linked, and people with diabetes are at higher risk for developing heart disease than people without diabetes.

High blood sugar levels and high blood pressure, which are common in people with diabetes, can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

In addition, people with diabetes are often overweight or obese, which can also increase the risk of heart disease.

They may also have high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) and low levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), which are both risk factors for heart disease.

Why is the Combination of Diabetes and Heart Disease So Dangerous?

Recent research suggests that the combination of diabetes and heart disease can be particularly deadly.

A study published in the journal Circulation found that people with both diabetes and heart disease were at higher risk of dying from cardiovascular causes than people with only one of the conditions or none at all.

The study followed more than 15,000 people with diabetes and heart disease for four years. During that time, 11% of the participants died from cardiovascular causes.

The risk of death was highest among those who had both diabetes and heart disease, with a 38% higher risk of death compared to those with only one of the conditions.

Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that people with type 2 diabetes who had previously had a heart attack had a higher risk of subsequent cardiovascular events, such as a second heart attack or stroke.

The study followed more than 46,000 people with type 2 diabetes for 10 years and found that those with a history of heart attack were nearly three times more likely to have another cardiovascular event than those without a history of heart attack.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk?

If you have diabetes, it’s important to take steps to reduce your risk of heart disease. Some strategies include:.

Keeping your blood sugar levels under control
Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats
Getting regular exercise
Managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Quitting smoking

If you have heart disease, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to manage your condition. Some strategies to reduce your risk include:.

Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats
Getting regular exercise
Managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Taking medications as prescribed
Quitting smoking

Conclusion

The combination of diabetes and heart disease is a dangerous one, with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and death.

If you have diabetes, it’s important to take steps to reduce your risk of heart disease, and if you have heart disease, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to manage your condition. By taking these steps, you can reduce your risk and protect your heart health.