If your blood sugar levels are higher than normal for a long period of time (many years) then this can cause damage to the inside lining of your blood vessels. This can lead to furring up or hardening of your arteries (known as atherosclerosis) and this can cause problems such as angina, heart attacks, stroke and circulation problems.

People with diabetes may also have high blood pressure (known as hypertension) and a high level of cholesterol and unhealthy fats in the blood. These conditions also increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis and heart disease. Being overweight or obesity and physically inactive also increases the risk.

Smoking is known to damage blood vessels. If you have diabetes and smoke then you greatly increase your chance of developing heart disease and dying from a heart attack. So the advice is clear – stop smoking.

 

We cannot stress too much the importance of looking after your heart. There is a lot you can do to keep your heart healthy.

 

• Keep your blood glucose levels under control - this is important if you want to reduce your risk of heart disease and circulation problems.
• Lose weight – even a small amount – will improve control of your blood sugar levels and improve your health in general and will help reduce your risk of heart disease.
• Eat healthy balanced meals . Try also to reduce the amount of fat in your diet and eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
• Take regular physical activity . This does not mean you have to take up a sport – although that would be cool. Brisk walking for at least 30 minutes on five or more days a week helps control blood sugars, strengthens your heart, lowers blood pressure, improves circulation and makes you feel fitter and healthier. It will also help you lose weight.
• Stop smoking. This is one of the best things you can do to improve your health. Once you stop smoking your chance of having a heart attack begins to fall immediately and after 10 years your risk falls to a similar level to those who have never smoked.
• Drink only moderate amounts of alcohol. A small amount of alcohol can help protect you from heart disease, but too much is harmful. Men should have less than 3 units per day and women less than 2 units per day (1 unit = half a pint of normal strength beer, a small glass of wine or a pub measure of spirit).
• Take your medication properly as advised. Many people with diabetes as well as taking insulin or tablets to lower their blood sugars also take medication to lower blood pressure of their cholesterol levels. These treatments are very important and help lower your risk of developing heart disease.
• Avoid too much stress. Take regular exercise, have enough leisure time and get enough sleep.
• Get checked up regularly. It is important that you get a check up regularly to see how you are doing. Check ups also help identify any health problems at an early stage and this is important as early treatment is more successful.
• Ask the diabetes team for help. If you have any questions or need advice or help with any changes you are planning then ask your diabetes team. We are here to help you keep your heart healthy!

There are two other things you can do to keep your heart healthy:

Reduce your blood pressure

and

Reduce your cholesterol level