Diabetes and heart disease are two major health concerns that are closely linked. Understanding this connection is crucial for managing and preventing both conditions, especially in India where the prevalence of diabetes is high.
Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease for several reasons. Persistently high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels, similar to how sandpaper creates tiny tears and inflammation. This damage makes blood vessels more prone to plaque buildup, also known as atherosclerosis, which narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow. If blood flow to the heart or brain is blocked, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Individuals with diabetes also tend to have higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of good cholesterol (HDL), which further increases the risk of heart disease.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is also common among people with diabetes. Elevated blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, which can weaken it over time.
Additional factors that increase the risk of heart disease include obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, a diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and salt, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of heart disease is crucial for everyone, particularly those living with diabetes. Sometimes, diabetes can mask typical warning signs, making it harder to realize there's a serious problem.
Recognizing Heart Disease Symptoms
Classic symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw. However, people with diabetes might experience “silent” heart attacks with less obvious symptoms such as unexplained fatigue or weakness, nausea or indigestion, dizziness or light-headedness, or breaking out in a cold sweat.
Stroke Symptoms
Stroke symptoms often include facial drooping or numbness, arm weakness, and speech difficulty. Remember the acronym FAST to recognize the common signs of a stroke:
Facial drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb.
Arm weakness: Sudden weakness or numbness in one or both arms.
Speech difficulty: Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or understanding.
Time to call Ambulance: If any of these symptoms appear, call for emergency medical help immediately.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is another form of heart disease. PAD affects blood vessels in the legs and feet, causing pain or cramping in the legs or hips, especially during activity. It can also cause numbness or tingling in the feet or toes, sores or wounds on the feet that heal slowly, and cold feet or a noticeable temperature difference between legs.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention.
Keeping Our Heart Healthy
We can significantly reduce our risk of heart disease by following these key points:
Heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly diet: Control portions and limit saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars.
Regular physical activity: Even small amounts of activity can make a difference. Find activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine.
Stress management: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure.
Smoking cessation: Smoking significantly increases your risk of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about resources to help you quit.
Regular doctor’s visits: See your doctor regularly for checkups and to monitor your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Take medications regularly: Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar to further reduce your risk.
Empower yourself with knowledge: The more you know about diabetes and heart disease, the better we’ll be able to manage it effectively. Take advantage of free resources like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Heart Association (AHA).
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