Diabetes, cardio metabolic disease deeply interwined: Dr Sharma
To raise awareness about the escalating risk of cardiac complications in diabetic patients, Dr. Sushil Sharma, Head of Cardiology at GMCH Jammu, spearheaded a comprehensive cardiac awareness and health screening drive at Gurudwara Singh Sabha Nanak Nagar, Jammu. The initiative focused on sensitizing attendees about the strong link between diabetes and cardio metabolic diseases, emphasizing proactive measures and timely interventions to mitigate risks. Dr. Sushil’s team provided thorough health checks, expert guidance, and personalized advice, empowering individuals to prioritize heart health and adopt healthier lifestyles.
While interacting with the people, Dr Sushil stated that the
relationship between diabetes and cardio metabolic disease represents
one of the most important and consequential connections in modern
medicine. “These two conditions do not merely coexist; they are deeply
intertwined through shared risk factors, overlapping biological
mechanisms, and mutually reinforcing progression. This intimate link
explains why individuals with diabetes face significantly higher risks
of cardiovascular complications such as heart attack, stroke, and heart
failure. Understanding this connection is essential for prevention,
early intervention, and improved patient outcomes. Diabetes,
particularly type 2 diabetes, acts as a powerful and independent risk
factor for cardiovascular disease. Elevated blood glucose levels lead to
endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and vascular inflammation.
Over time, these processes accelerate atherosclerosis, causing narrowing
and hardening of arteries. As a result, individuals with diabetes
experience a markedly increased risk of coronary artery disease,
cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease,” Dr Sharma
said.
He elaborated that people with diabetes have nearly double the risk of
cardiovascular mortality compared to those without diabetes.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in individuals with
type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance promotes vascular damage,
hyperglycemia, and lipid abnormalities. Diabetes increases heart failure
risk through diabetic cardiomyopathy, characterized by myocardial
fibrosis and impaired ventricular relaxation. Management must extend
beyond glucose control to comprehensive risk reduction, including blood
pressure management, lipid optimization, and lifestyle modification.
Certain anti diabetic medications offer cardiovascular protection,” Dr
Sharma said.