* RISK FACTOR
these medicines have also helped lower related deaths. But mounting data suggest they may be protective even among those without heart disease. Ask your provider if you might benefit from these therapies.
Lower Your Risk
You can change the course of your disease and lower your chances of developing heart-related problems in addition to diabetes. Be sure to talk with your provider. Choose a heart-healthy diet. Talk with your healthcare team about a heart-healthy eating plan that also keeps your diabetes better controlled. Go for: v Non-starchy vegetables and fresh fruits. v Whole-grain foods. v Lean proteins. v Low-fat milk and dairy products. v Healthy fats (nuts, seeds, avocado and vegetable oils). v Low-in-sugar, simple carbohydrates. Make good choices when eating on the go. And remember to hold the salt. Quit smoking. For help, call 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUIT-NOW).
Commit to regular exercise. Sitting for long periods of time, not exercising — or both — are harmful. Aim for 150 minutes of activity per week. Every movement adds up. Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, losing just five to seven percent of your total weight can improve your health. Know your numbers. Keep track of your A1C, blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, and work to keep them under control. Only one out of four people are
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on target with them. Monitor your blood sugar daily — or as often as your provider recommends — to keep it controlled. Lower your stress level, and get enough sleep. Aim for seven or more uninterrupted hours of shut-eye a night. If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, talk with your provider, as this also can affect your heart health. Educate others. Most people with diabetes are unaware of the link between type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Spread the word to empower others to take action for a healthy heart.
Talk With Your Healthcare Team
Managing diabetes is a team effort. You will likely be seen by a number of health professionals, and making sure everyone is on the same page is important. You may want to ask: v How likely am I to develop heart disease or to have a stroke? How does having diabetes change this?
v What can I do to prevent heart problems or a stroke? If I have heart disease already, what can I do?
v What should I watch for in addition to monitoring my blood pressure and cholesterol levels?
v Do I need to try to lose weight? How much? v Could medications help protect my heart? v How often should my heart health be checked? Which tests would you recommend?
v Could I benefit from seeing a nutritionist? v Should I keep taking my vitamins and supplements? v Besides my A1C, what other blood sugar tests will I need? v Can statins cause diabetes?
For more information, visit
CardioSmart.org/Diabetes.
ISTOCK.COM
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