Heart Disease and Diabetes share a worrying connection. As per the American Heart Association, diabetics are at twice the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or heart diseases than others. But why is it so? Does diabetes cause heart disease? What to do to prevent it? Check out the connection between heart disease and diabetes and what you can do to stay heart healthy.
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Does Diabetes cause heart disease?
Diabetes is a condition wherein your blood sugar levels are not maintained due to various underlying factors. Unmanaged blood sugar level can cause damage to the blood vessels as well as nerves that control them. Damaged blood vessels can then lead to heart disease.
Apart from the direct impact, diabetes also increases the risk of high cholesterol as well as high blood pressure. Both the conditions cause thickening of blood vessels, which in turn constrict the blood flow to the heart.
Another cause of heart disease is obesity. Diabetics are prone to gain in body weight due to their condition. This leads to obesity, which can be the cause of heart disease.
To explain it simply, diabetes hampers the normal functioning of the body. Increased blood sugar leads to a whole lot of problems that impacts the functioning of your heart. Also, diabetics are more at risk of developing kidney diseases, which can also add the strain on your heart.
What to do to stay heart healthy if you have diabetes?
The thing to remember is that diabetes if a manageable condition. As a diabetic, one must put in a little extra effort at staying healthy. While a normal person may skip his/her exercise routine, diabetics should strive to maintain it.
To stay heart healthy, the person needs to ensure that his/her diabetes or blood sugar levels are at check. Apart from maintaining a healthy lifestyle, here are a few choices one can make to ensure a better health.
- Take your medication/ insulin diligently
- Eat balanced diet rich in fibre
- Prefer whole grains
- Exercise regularly
- Try Yoga to manage overall well being
- Monitor your blood sugar levels
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Annual health check ups to keep a look out for markers
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In the end, its all really about managing your health and well being. It is important to remember that diabetes and heart disease both are also related to stress. So while you manage your body, keep a check on your mind as well.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
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