ISTOCK.COM
If you have type 2 diabetes, you know that keeping an eye on your blood glucose (sugar) is an important part of managing the disease. But did you know that having diabetes also makes you more prone to having heart disease or a stroke? In fact, cardiovascular disease is the number-one cause of death among people with type 2 diabetes. Compared with those who don’t have diabetes, women with the condition have about a four-times-greater risk for heart disease, while men with the condition have about twice the risk. So, in addition to watching and controlling your blood glucose, take steps to protect your heart health. Ask questions, know your risk of heart disease or stroke and learn what you can do to stay healthy.
Diabetes & Cardiovascular Health While it’s a complex relationship, we know that high levels of sugar in the blood can damage blood vessels and nerves over time. These changes can make your blood vessels stiff and narrowed. As a result, blood may not flow as easily to your heart, brain or body.
Unfortunately, by the time someone receives a diabetes diagnosis, changes or injuries to the large (macro) or small (micro) blood vessels in the body have often already started. Talk with your healthcare team about such changes. v Microvascular complications include diabetes-related kidney disease, vision and nerve problems.
v Macrovascular complications include a heart attack, a stroke and peripheral artery disease.
People with diabetes are also more apt to have other heart disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, chronic kidney disease that can lead to dialysis, and being overweight or obese.
Therefore, diabetes treatment plans should not only focus on controlling blood sugar levels, but also other cardiovascular risk factors. This might include: v Ongoing assessment of cardiovascular health (watching cholesterol panels, blood pressure or protein in the urine).
v Steps to help protect your heart health with lifestyle changes (regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, good sleep habits) and possibly medications to help control high blood pressure or cholesterol.
v Referrals to other providers to support a coordinated, team- based approach to your care.
v Routine vaccination against the flu and pneumonia to prevent illnesses that can stress the heart.
Tips for Tracking Diabetes
It’s important to understand your blood sugar numbers, along with your blood pressure and cholesterol — two well- known risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Lifestyle
changes also are recommended, and medications may be used as well.
A
MANAGE YOUR DIABETES A1C OR HbA1C
This test measures blood glucose control over the previous two to three months. The A1C target for most people is under seven percent.
B BLOOD PRESSURE
Nearly two out of three people with diabetes have high blood pressure. For most people with high blood pressure and diabetes, blood pressure levels should be <130/80 mmHg.
C D E S
CHOLESTEROL
Monitor total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides. HEALTHY DIET
Eat healthily and, if appropriate, use Drug therapy. EXERCISE
Remember that every movement counts. STOP SMOKING
Smoking doubles the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes.
Even when blood sugar levels are reasonably controlled, some inflammation in the blood vessels is likely. So ask about your risk of heart disease and stroke, even if your blood sugar levels are in check. In addition, a healthy diet, regular exercise and certain medications that might be prescribed can protect your heart.
Medications
In addition to making healthier lifestyle choices overall, taking medications are an important part of treating diabetes. Your provider may recommend one or a combination of the medications used to help: lower blood sugar levels and keep them within a target range; lower cholesterol; lower blood pressure; reduce the risk of blood clots, a heart attack or a stroke or other cardiovascular factors.
Three diabetes medications that lower blood sugar levels — empagliflozein, liraglutide and canagliflozin — have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help reduce cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes and heart disease or at high risk for cardiovascular disease. In some cases,
41
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
