Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health
Whether you’re brand new to diabetes or have a history, it’s important to remember that proper management and control is key. Diabetes is serious and a lack of control can lead to other complications and health issues.
But staying on top of all the diabetes data that exists can be overwhelming. That is why at Quest Health Solutions our mission is to provide education to patients, healthcare providers and fellow diabetes educators to help provide a foundation of knowledge.
It’s More Than Diabetes
Patients living with “Type 2 diabetes have up to a 4x greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke.”1
“Diabetes and heart disease often go hand in hand”2 and here’s why.
High blood sugar levels caused by diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves that help to regulate the heart. This can lead to circulation and cardiovascular issues. “Diabetes dramatically increases the risk of various cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease, angina, heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure and narrowing of arteries, also known as atherosclerosis.”3
Dealing with diabetes is concerning enough but knowing that it can lead to heart disease and other serious health issues is a wake-up call that needs to be taken seriously. “People living with diabetes are also more likely to have other conditions that also raise the risk for heart disease.”3 High blood pressure, high cholesterol and high triglycerides are more likely to be found in patients living with diabetes creating a vicious cycle that can be dangerous if left unchecked.
Many of the same risk factors that cause Type 2 diabetes can also lead to heart disease. Being overweight, physically inactive and eating a diet high in fats, carbs and sugars can all lead to both. The good news is that both can be controlled, and the risk reduced through proper management and awareness.
Preventing Complications
It’s important to see your doctor on a regular basis to make sure levels are under control. A simple blood test can check for many of the risk factors that may be out of control – like blood sugar and cholesterol. To test for signs of heart disease, your doctor may perform an EKG, Echocardiogram or an exercise stress test. All relatively simple tests that can prevent complications from developing.
Aside from regular check-ups with your doctor, there are a variety of things you can do every day to reduce the risks associated with diabetes and heart disease. Simple actions that can prevent complications later.
- ● Exercise. Staying active and doing something every day can help lower your blood sugar levels and helps to maintain a healthy heart to prevent heart disease. Maintaining a healthy weight and trying to shed excess pounds can also help.
- ● Eating healthy. It’s important to remember that it’s not a diet and not to focus on the foods you can’t eat. Instead look at daily meal planning and focus on the healthy foods that you can put into your body. Eating more fruits, vegetables and lean meats and staying away from sugary, processed and high fat foods is key to preventing and controlling diabetes and heart disease.
- ● Stress Management. Stress is a major factor that can greatly impact both diabetes and heart disease by raising blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Learning to manage stress is key and helps to avoid complications later.
Let Quest Health Solutions Help
Diabetes is complicated but with proper management complications can be prevented. It takes effort, but it’s not impossible and diabetes should always be taken seriously. Through education, lifestyle changes, and continual monitoring, it can be done.
At Quest Health Solutions, our mission is to create awareness and provide support and education to our patients and healthcare providers. By working together, we can all learn how to take control of diabetes before it takes control of us. A strong support network is key, and we are here for you. Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, a diabetic educator or a loved one looking for more information, we are here to support you! To learn more about how a Continuous Glucose Monitor may help to prevent diabetes complications, contact us 1-800-993-9996, email ben@questhealthsolutions.com or schedule an appointment today.
1. (2022) Get Real About Diabetes. Understanding Diabetes. Available at click here accessed on 5 August 2022.
2. (2022) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at click here accessed on 6 August 2022.
3. (2020) Mayo Clinic. Diabetes Overview. Available at click here accessed on 6 August 2022.