If you didn’t know diabetes was a risk factor for heart disease, you’re not alone. A recent study led by researchers at the American Heart Association and BIDMC’s Smith Heart Disease Research Outcomes Research Center also found that more than 66% of those surveyed were unaware of this association.
“The knowledge gaps identified in our study have important implications for public health,” said lead author Dhruv Kazi, director of the Department of Health Economics and associate director of the Smith Center. the doctor said. Kazi added: “People with this knowledge are more likely to get tested and treated if they develop diabetes and follow strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease.”
Understanding health risks can have a significant impact on the estimated 38 million Americans living with diabetes in the United States, nearly 5.5 times the population of Massachusetts. Doctors and researchers also hope this information will reach the estimated 97 million adult Americans who have prediabetes. “Our findings highlight the need for a concerted effort to increase public health awareness,” said Richard Chaudhary, resident physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and lead author. the doctor emphasized.
How does diabetes damage the heart?
Over time, consistently high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels (veins and arteries) and the nerves that control the heart. Excess blood sugar hardens and narrows blood vessels, reducing blood and oxygen supply to the body. This can ultimately increase your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Almost 74% of adults with diabetes have high blood pressure.
“Even if blood sugar levels are well controlled, people with diabetes are still at risk for developing heart disease,” warns Mark D. Benson, MD, BIDMC Director of Preventive Cardiology. “This is because many people with diabetes also have other conditions that increase their risk of heart disease, such as obesity and high cholesterol.”
Diabetes tends to change cholesterol in the body by raising triglycerides, or “bad” cholesterol, and lowering “good” fats. This type of cholesterol imbalance is a hallmark of lipid diseases associated with insulin resistance, which are common in diabetics. This disorder can usually be controlled with lifestyle changes and medication.
“The great thing about cholesterol’s role in preventing cardiovascular disease is that you can change it. The first step is to get a cholesterol test and know your numbers. The next step is to talk to your doctor and find out what your numbers are. It’s about developing a strategy to achieve your personal cholesterol goals,” adds Benson.
How can people with diabetes protect their heart health?
For adults living with diabetes, it is possible to manage diabetes and have a healthy heart. Monitoring your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can help prevent related health problems. The following lifestyle changes are also important to effectively manage diabetes:
- Stop using all tobacco products
- eat heart-healthy food
- maintain an active lifestyle and exercise regularly
- managing stress
In addition to lifestyle changes, doctors often prescribe medications to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have questions or need assistance, please consult your health care professional.
The Diabetes and Heart Disease Program at BIDMC and Joslin Diabetes Center helps people with diabetes protect their heart health. This program provides early diagnosis and prevention strategies that allow patients to reduce their chances of heart attack, stroke, and vascular complications from diabetes.
Call 617-667-8800 to schedule an appointment.
