We recently explored how important it is that a podiatrist is on your diabetes management team because of the link between diabetes and serious foot problems.
There is a link between diabetes and heart disease too. The theme of this year’s National Diabetes Month in November is “Take Diabetes to Heart” to focus on the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
How Does Diabetes Affect the Heart?
Did you know that adults with diabetes are almost twice as likely to die from heart disease or stroke as those without this disease? It’s true that there is an alarming increase in the risk of heart disease just because the patient has diabetes.
When blood glucose levels are uncontrolled, over time, the blood vessels may become damaged. Another problem caused by diabetes and excess blood sugar is nerve damage, specifically those nerves that control the heart.
Patients with diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, risk factors that increase the chance of stroke or heart disease.
Other diabetes-related factors that contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease include:
Smoking – smoking narrows the blood vessels, so in addition to diabetes, the blood flow to the heart is further reduced. Another danger from smoking is that the blood vessels in the legs and feet can be damaged, increasing the risk of infection and subsequent amputation.
Excess belly fat – Patients with diabetes who are obese and especially those with excess belly fat have an increased risk of heart disease.
High blood pressure – Also called hypertension, high blood pressure forces your heart to work harder and so the heart and blood vessels are strained.
High cholesterol – Hyperlipidemia increases the risk of heart disease when the blood vessels become clogged.
You Can Reduce Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
You work hard to manage your diabetes – take care of your heart too!
Manage your ABCs. A is the A1C test that measures blood glucose levels; B is for blood pressure; C is for cholesterol; S means to stop smoking.
Get plenty of sleep.
Follow a healthy eating plan.
Exercise often, with your doctor’s permission.
Manage your stress as long-term stress can raise blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Take your medications as prescribed to help control your diabetes and protect your heart.
We Can Help Protect Your Feet If You Have Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious disease that can cause severe foot problems. If you have diabetes or any foot problem like heel pain or plantar fasciitis, discomfort from arthritis, an injury or just from overuse, please call Michele Kurlanski, DPM at Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Kurlanski offers expert and professional podiatry services in Cumberland County, Maine. Please call us today at 207-774-0028 to schedule your appointment in our Scarborough office.