Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people all over the world. It is a condition that causes the body to have high levels of glucose or sugar in the blood.
For those diagnosed with diabetes, controlling the level of glucose in the blood is crucial for their overall health. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to various complications, including kidney disease, vision problems, and heart disease.
The Connection Between Diabetes and Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the most common complications of diabetes. According to the American Heart Association, adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than people who do not have diabetes.
There is a strong connection between diabetes and heart disease, and it is essential to understand this connection to prevent it from happening.
The high levels of glucose in the blood can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control the heart and blood vessels’ function. This damage can cause various heart and blood vessel diseases, such as:.
- Coronary heart disease: This is the most common type of heart disease, and it occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart become narrow or blocked.
- Peripheral arterial disease: This condition affects the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet. It can cause pain, numbness, and sores on the legs and feet.
- Stroke: This occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain become blocked or burst.
The Importance of Exercise for Diabetic Hearts
Physical activity or exercise has many benefits for people with diabetes, and it is an essential key movement in saving diabetic hearts. Exercise can help control the level of glucose in the blood, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.
It can also help people with diabetes maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of heart disease.
When people with diabetes exercise, their muscles use glucose for energy, which helps lower the level of glucose in the blood.
Exercise can also help the body become more sensitive to insulin, which is essential in controlling the level of glucose in the blood. In addition, exercise can help improve blood pressure, which is another risk factor for heart disease. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
It is also essential to do strength training exercises at least two days per week to help build and maintain muscle mass.
Other Essential Key Movements for Saving Diabetic Hearts
In addition to exercise, there are other essential key movements that people with diabetes can do to help save their hearts. These include:.
Healthy Eating
Eating a healthy and balanced diet can help people with diabetes maintain a healthy weight and control the level of glucose in the blood. It is essential to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
Avoiding high-fat and high-sugar foods can also help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease, and it is essential for people with diabetes to quit smoking to save their hearts. Smoking can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Quitting smoking can help improve heart health and overall health.
Manage Stress
Stress can affect the level of glucose in the blood and increase the risk of heart disease. Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress levels and improve heart health.
Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups with healthcare providers can help people with diabetes monitor their overall health and reduce the risk of complications such as heart disease.
It is essential to have regular check-ups with healthcare providers to check blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall health status.
Conclusion
Diabetes and heart disease are closely connected, and it is essential to take essential key movements to save diabetic hearts.
Exercise, healthy eating, quitting smoking, managing stress, and regular check-ups with healthcare providers are all essential key movements that can help maintain heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. By taking these essential key movements, people with diabetes can save their hearts and live a healthy and long life.