Diabetes alone stands as a serious risk factor for heart disease. According to the medical experts, people suffering from type 2 diabetes have the same risk of dying from heart disease as people who have had heart attacks.
Let us not beat around the bush. Let us come to the point straight – as the name implies, diabetic heart disease or DHD typically refers to heart disease that categorically develops in diabetic people.
Research has clearly proved that in comparison with people who are not diabetic, people who are diabetic are at greater risk of developing heart disease
Before delving any further let us understand what diabetes is
Simply put; diabetes is typically a disease in which the body’s blood glucose level becomes higher than the normal level.
Usually; the body breaks down food into glucose and carries it to cells throughout the body. It also needs to be mentioned here that the body cells use insulin (a typical hormone) for turning the glucose into energy.
Diabetes can be broadly categorized into two broad categories –
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
In case of type 1 diabetes, the body fails to make the required amount of insulin and this in turn causes the body’s blood sugar level to rise.
On the other hand; in type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells don’t use insulin properly. This condition has been medically termed as insulin resistance. Although in the initial days, the body reacts by making more insulin however over the time body fails in making enough insulin for controlling the blood sugar level
DHD may include
- Coronary heart disease (CHD)
- Heart failure
- Diabetic cardiomyopathy
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
In coronary heart diseases, a waxy substance known as plaque, builds up inside the artery walls. For the uninitiated; these arteries are responsible for supplying the heart muscle with the much required oxygen-rich blood. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium and other substances found in the blood. Plaque typically narrows the coronary arteries and therefore reduces blood flow to your heart muscle. CHD leads to chest pain and angina, irregular heartbeat, heart attack and even death
Heart Failure
This is a typical condition in which your heart can’t pump enough blood in meeting the body’s needs. As a matter of fact; “heart failure” doesn’t necessarily mean that your heart has stopped working; however it is a serious condition, which requires immediate medical care.
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
This disease damages the structure as well as the function of the heart. Diabetic Cardiomyopathy can in fact lead to heart failure and irregular heartbeat.
Medically speaking; people suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at the greater risk of developing DHD. This is typically because diabetes affects the heart in three crucial ways.
First, diabetes alone stands as a serious risk factor for heart disease. According to the medical experts, people suffering from type 2 diabetes have the same risk of dying from heart disease as people who have had heart attacks.
Second, when fused with other contributory factors, diabetes raises the risk of heart disease further. For instance diabetes and obesity may cause harmful physical changes to the heart.
Third, diabetes also increases the chance of more severe heart problems.
Let us not beat around the bush. Let us come to the point straight – as the name implies, diabetic heart disease or DHD typically refers to heart disease that categorically develops in diabetic people.
Research has clearly proved that in comparison with people who are not diabetic, people who are diabetic are at greater risk of developing heart disease
Before delving any further let us understand what diabetes is
Simply put; diabetes is typically a disease in which the body’s blood glucose level becomes higher than the normal level.
Usually; the body breaks down food into glucose and carries it to cells throughout the body. It also needs to be mentioned here that the body cells use insulin (a typical hormone) for turning the glucose into energy.
Diabetes can be broadly categorized into two broad categories –
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
In case of type 1 diabetes, the body fails to make the required amount of insulin and this in turn causes the body’s blood sugar level to rise.
On the other hand; in type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells don’t use insulin properly. This condition has been medically termed as insulin resistance. Although in the initial days, the body reacts by making more insulin however over the time body fails in making enough insulin for controlling the blood sugar level
DHD may include
- Coronary heart disease (CHD)
- Heart failure
- Diabetic cardiomyopathy
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
In coronary heart diseases, a waxy substance known as plaque, builds up inside the artery walls. For the uninitiated; these arteries are responsible for supplying the heart muscle with the much required oxygen-rich blood. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium and other substances found in the blood. Plaque typically narrows the coronary arteries and therefore reduces blood flow to your heart muscle. CHD leads to chest pain and angina, irregular heartbeat, heart attack and even death
Heart Failure
This is a typical condition in which your heart can’t pump enough blood in meeting the body’s needs. As a matter of fact; “heart failure” doesn’t necessarily mean that your heart has stopped working; however it is a serious condition, which requires immediate medical care.
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
This disease damages the structure as well as the function of the heart. Diabetic Cardiomyopathy can in fact lead to heart failure and irregular heartbeat.
Medically speaking; people suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at the greater risk of developing DHD. This is typically because diabetes affects the heart in three crucial ways.
First, diabetes alone stands as a serious risk factor for heart disease. According to the medical experts, people suffering from type 2 diabetes have the same risk of dying from heart disease as people who have had heart attacks.
Second, when fused with other contributory factors, diabetes raises the risk of heart disease further. For instance diabetes and obesity may cause harmful physical changes to the heart.
Third, diabetes also increases the chance of more severe heart problems.
If in case you are diabetic, plan your part well to decrease your risk of DHD. Making some small lifestyle changes and sticking to prescribed medicines can help in controlling the risk factors.
Here are a few factors for you to consider
Control your blood sugar level. The point is pretty much self-explanatory. Take medications to control your sugar level. Get your sugar level checked at least twice a year.
Get active. Try to get active for at least 30 minutes of physical activity. Keep moving and stay active throughout the day. For instance; try taking short breaks when at work, or try answering to your emails or simply take a call while standing. The idea is simple – keep moving and commit to a heart healthy lifestyle.
Eat heart-healthy diet: Eat healthy amount of fiber to lower the risk of heart disease. Consume fiber from a whole range of sources, such as bran, oats, whole meal bread, wholegrain cereals etc.
Check your blood pressure: Get your blood pressure checked regularly. Remember it should be below 130/80
Finally; it’s important to follow a customized treatment plan for diabetes and see a heart specialist in Kolkata for ongoing care. Follow your doctor’s advises to delay serious problems.