What is the link between diabetes and CVD?

It had been observed that diabetes changes the chemical composition of some substances found in the blood and leads to blood vessels narrowing or sometimes clogging up completely. This is nothing but atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, and diabetes increases the pace of it. Heart disease occurs twice frequently in those suffering with diabetes than in people without diabetes. Cardiovascular complications occur early in diabetics, and often result in premature death.

What is needed to “break the link” between diabetes and CVD?

Preventive management includes life style modification (quit smoking, regular exercise, and limitation of fat and energy intake) to control blood sugar, lipids and hypertension.

Target ranges are:

A

A1C<7 percent

Check twice a year

B

Blood pleasure < 130/80 mmHg

Check twice a year

C

Cholesterol-LDL < 100mg/dl

Check twice a year


Diabetics learn and practice the skills necessary to control their blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and it is very essential to receive customary checkups from their physicians. Smokers should give up smoking and overweight diabetics should follow a practice of moderate exercise regimen.