Cardiovascular disease is a major complication of diabetes and it's the leading cause of early death among people with diabetes. In fact, about 65 percent of people with diabetes die from heart disease and stroke. Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or suffer a stroke than people without diabetes.
High blood glucose in adults with diabetes increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, angina and coronary artery disease.
People with type 2 diabetes also have high rates of high blood pressure, lipid problems and obesity, which contribute to their high rates of cardiovascular disease. Smoking doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes.
What's the best way to protect your heart if you have diabetes? Work with your doctor to control your ABCs:
• A - AIC (a measure of average blood glucose) less than 7 percent
• B - Blood pressure less than 130/80 mmHg
• C - Cholesterol - LDL less than 100 mg/dl
Source: National Institutes of Health's National Diabetes Education Program
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, April 2013
Share with Friend
