Diabetes & Heart
Disease
Protect Your Heart Today!
According to the American Diabetes Association, there is
a high chance that every two out of three Type II diabetics
will die from heart disease or stroke. Therefore, it is vital
for every diabetic to learn about heart disease and how to
protect their own heart.
Diabetes is most commonly associated type of heart disease
known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis means the accumulation
of fatty plaques in the arteries. The arteries are clogged
until blood can no longer get through the artery to nourish
the heart. When this part of the heart dies, it is known as
a "heart attack".
The Connection Of Diabetes and Heart Disease
Diabetes happens when the pancreas stops making insulin (Type
I) or when the body fail to use the insulin that the pancreas
makes effectively (Type II). Insulin is the "key"
which helps the body's cells to turn glucose (sugar) into
energy. So, when the glucose is not transformed into energy,
it can accumulate in the body's organs and hence cause damage.
Excessive sugar in the body can cause damage to the heart.
Type II diabetes is also highly associated with other conditions
such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity which
are related to heart disease.
How To Prevent Diabetes and Heart Disease
If you are diabetic, read on the several steps you can take
to protect your heart:
First of all, keep your blood-glucose level under control.
You can do so by asking for recommendations from your doctor,
such as a special diet or prescribing pills or insulin injections.
Most diabetics own a blood glucose monitor and test their
blood sugar few times a day. Besides, your doctor may also
recommend a blood test called an A-1-C which provides a two
to three month history of your blood sugar levels.
Besides, you should also control your blood pressure and
cholesterol. Blood pressure and cholesterol are usually controlled
by medication, modification of diet such as consuming plenty
of vegetables, fruits, and grains and avoiding foods high
in saturated fats, as well as being active in life.
You should also try to maintain a healthy weight is also
an important step to controlling both diabetes and heart disease.
Many people who struggle with their weight are so frustrated
they do not even want to hear about another diet. Of course,
you can still eat small amounts of the foods you enjoy as
long as you eat healthy foods as well.
Most importantly, you don't have to be a size four or even
a size ten. Even losing a small percentage of your body weight
can mean a big different to your heart.
If you are diabetic, you should get action as soon as possible
to keep your heart in best shape!
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