It’s no secret that diabetes and heart disease are closely linked. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease or suffer a stroke as those without diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk for heart disease in several ways.
High Blood Sugar
One of the major ways diabetes increases the risk of heart disease is through high blood sugar levels. When a person has diabetes, their body is unable to properly convert sugar into energy. As a result, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This can damage the body’s delicate blood vessels, leading to a higher risk of heart disease.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is also a risk factor for heart disease, and it is closely linked to diabetes. People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure due to their elevated levels of sugar in the bloodstream. High blood pressure can damage the walls of the arteries, leading to a buildup of fatty deposits. These deposits can eventually clog the arteries and lead to a heart attack or stroke.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is another major risk factor for heart disease, and people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from high cholesterol levels. This is due in part to the fact that diabetes is often accompanied by obesity, which can lead to high levels of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream. High cholesterol can lead to a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, which can eventually cause a heart attack or stroke.
Inflammation
Diabetes can also increase the risk of heart disease by causing inflammation in the body. The high levels of sugar in the bloodstream can cause inflammation in the arteries, leading to a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. This is because inflammation can cause the arteries to become narrower, thus reducing the amount of blood that is able to flow through them.
Obesity
Obesity is another risk factor for heart disease, and it is closely linked to diabetes. People with diabetes are more likely to be overweight, which can lead to a higher risk of heart disease. Obesity can cause a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, which can eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Smoking
Smoking is another major risk factor for heart disease, and people with diabetes are more likely to smoke than those without diabetes. This is because smoking increases the levels of sugar in the bloodstream, which can lead to a higher risk of heart disease. Smoking also increases the risk of stroke by causing inflammation in the arteries.
Lack of Physical Activity
Lack of physical activity is another risk factor for heart disease, and people with diabetes are more likely to be sedentary. This is because diabetes can cause fatigue and other symptoms that make it difficult for people to exercise. Lack of physical activity can lead to a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, which can eventually cause a heart attack or stroke.
Unhealthy Diet
Unhealthy diet is another risk factor for heart disease, and people with diabetes are more likely to eat unhealthy foods. This is because diabetes can cause cravings for sugary and processed foods, which can increase the levels of sugar in the bloodstream. Eating unhealthy foods can lead to a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, which can eventually cause a heart attack or stroke.
Conclusion
Diabetes increases the risk for heart disease in several ways, including high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inflammation, obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, and an unhealthy diet. It is important for people with diabetes to take steps to reduce their risk of heart disease. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and controlling their blood sugar levels.