The compelling reason why diabetics should care for their heart
We all know people who have either had some cardiovascular issue or
worse, have succumbed to one. A man who was a diabetic trying to
manage his blood sugar level, but one test found out that his heart
health is compromised too, because of diabetes.
A February 2019 report in a leading media website quoted a Stanford
based cardiologist: “Every South Asian has a very common experience
unfortunately, and it’s that we all have someone in our first-degree
circle that has either died suddenly or had premature cardiovascular
disease.” She believed that despite leading a healthy life, South Asians
have a higher risk of developing heart issues because of their
ancestry.
According to a senior cardiologist, "The reason why diabetics suffer from heart disease
seem to be multifactorial. The high glucose levels in diabetes impair
the ability of the blood vessels to expand, leading to abnormal
narrowing of the arteries as well as swelling in the vessel wall. Also,
there is an increased tendency for plaques (deposits along the vessel
wall) to rupture. It can also lead to abnormal changes in the structure
and function of platelets (tiny blood cells that help your body form
clots to stop bleeding) leading to formation of blood clots and
eventually resulting in a heart attack. Further, diabetes increases
triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol which aggravates the process of
atherosclerosis leading to coronary heart disease."
Now coming to people suffering from diabetes, there is growing evidence
that suggests some of the blood sugar lowering drugs increases the
chances of heart issues. While there are some medicines that have no
effect on heart health, still others have drawbacks and put hearts at
risk. In fact many international researchers stress on the importance of
carrying out studies to understand the impact of all (old and new)
blood sugar medicines on heart health.
Dr. further added, “Diabetes is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. So, a patient with diabetes should always try to maintain his blood sugar in the recommended level. Natural ways to decrease blood sugar is regular aerobic and mild strength exercise, reduce weight, have a healthy diet pattern especially having diet with low glycemic index. Stop smoking completely as smoking associated with increased incidence of diabetes. Persons who smoke have 30 to 40% higher risk of new onset diabetes mellitus. As such, smoking is another major risk factor for diabetes and smoking and diabetes together can be a deadly combination for coronary heart disease and stroke.
Dr. further added, “Diabetes is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. So, a patient with diabetes should always try to maintain his blood sugar in the recommended level. Natural ways to decrease blood sugar is regular aerobic and mild strength exercise, reduce weight, have a healthy diet pattern especially having diet with low glycemic index. Stop smoking completely as smoking associated with increased incidence of diabetes. Persons who smoke have 30 to 40% higher risk of new onset diabetes mellitus. As such, smoking is another major risk factor for diabetes and smoking and diabetes together can be a deadly combination for coronary heart disease and stroke.
Dyslipidemia
is common in diabetic patient and is another major risk factor for
coronary heart disease. If regular exercise and healthy diet pattern is
not able to correct dyslipidemia, the treatment with statins is needed
to control it.”
Among other risk factors, diabetes can lead to heart disease, eye disease, kidney disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy.
Among other risk factors, diabetes can lead to heart disease, eye disease, kidney disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy.
All these possibilities need to be screened on a regular basis (at least
once a year) in all patients with diabetes. Diabetes patients should be
well trained on how to maintain a recommended blood sugar level. Too
high or too low blood sugar can cause serious problems.
The silver lining is that an increasing number of people are becoming aware about the risk of diabetes. According to doctors, there has been an 81 per cent increase in the number of people searching for an endocrinologist. The search for diabetologists grew by 51 per cent since last year. Moreover, online consultation witnessed a 95 per cent increase in queries related to diabetes.
For a type 2 diabetic, the first step to managing the disease is imbibing healthier food habits. The next step is to snack right! A lot of us tend to binge on fried or unhealthy snacks without worrying about the repercussions. A simple and gradual way to change this is to revise your snacking routine.
The silver lining is that an increasing number of people are becoming aware about the risk of diabetes. According to doctors, there has been an 81 per cent increase in the number of people searching for an endocrinologist. The search for diabetologists grew by 51 per cent since last year. Moreover, online consultation witnessed a 95 per cent increase in queries related to diabetes.
For a type 2 diabetic, the first step to managing the disease is imbibing healthier food habits. The next step is to snack right! A lot of us tend to binge on fried or unhealthy snacks without worrying about the repercussions. A simple and gradual way to change this is to revise your snacking routine.
Replace your
usual choices with food items like almonds, makhanas or yoghurt that are
healthy and filling and will also help in building your overall health.
Stressing on the importance of eating right, leading Bollywood Actress said, “We Indians really love our snacks in all forms -
sweet or savory. Many of us tend to overindulge in them, and this can
have a larger negative impact over a course of time. A good way to
change this is to opt for healthier snacking alternatives. In my case, I
make it a point to keep food like a handful of roasted or flavoured
almonds, fresh fruit or oats stored away in a small box nearby, to
ensure I don’t snack on unhealthy food that gives me empty calories.”