Diabetes is the most common metabolic condition in the United States, affecting more than 38 million Americans. It changes the way your body uses sugar from food — and it can have some far-reaching implications for your overall health.
In fact, people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease than those who don’t have diabetes. The good news? Proactive diabetes management can make a big difference in lowering your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
February is American Heart Month, so now is the perfect time to prioritize your health. Let our team at Endocrine Associates of West Village help you learn more about the connections between diabetes and heart complications and how you can take steps to protect your health.
While diabetes is a metabolic condition, it has a direct impact on your heart health. Having diabetes increases your risk of cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, because high blood sugar can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart.
The longer your blood sugar goes uncontrolled, the greater the risk of damage to your blood vessels and nerves. Plus, many people with diabetes have other risk factors for heart disease, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which also put a strain on the cardiovascular system over time.
Fortunately, diabetes is manageable, and controlling diabetes can significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular issues. At Endocrine Associates of West Village, we understand the connection between diabetes and heart health, and we take a multidisciplinary approach to helping you manage your diabetes and protect your heart.
The main components of diabetes management are:
Maintaining good blood sugar control helps minimize damage to blood vessels and reduces your risk of heart disease. For most people with diabetes, that means regularly monitoring glucose levels and keeping them within a healthy range.
Effectively controlling your blood sugar can also help improve your overall circulation, which may reduce your risk of related complications, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle helps you manage diabetes and protect your heart. We recommend eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to control blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels.
Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and strengthens your heart. It can also help you manage your weight, and if you’re overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.
Proactive blood sugar control and lifestyle changes can help you keep your diabetes in check, but they’re not always enough on their own. Sometimes, we may prescribe medications to help manage your blood sugar, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels.
If you’re at high risk of heart issues, we might also discuss advanced interventions, like medications that protect against cardiovascular events or specialized cardiac care.
This American Heart Month, commit to prioritizing your health. Whether scheduling a diabetes check-up, incorporating healthier habits, or learning more about your cardiovascular risk, taking steps today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.
Get started with a consultation at Endocrine Associates of West Village in Brooklyn, Long Island City, and New York, New York. Call or request your first appointment online today.
