The Link Between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

What Is The Link Between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)?

We know that CVD is a major complication and a leading cause of premature death among people with diabetes. Here are some facts that emphasize the link between diabetes and CVD.

• About 75% of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.
• Adults with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease or suffer a stroke than people without diabetes.
• Heart attacks occur at an earlier age in people with diabetes. Deaths from heart disease in women with diabetes have increased 23 percent over the past 30 years compared to a 27 percent decrease in women without diabetes.

Why The Increased Risk of CVD For People With Diabetes?

• People with diabetes have high rates of hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity, all three of which lead to increased rates of CVD.
• 97% of adults with Type 2 diabetes have one or more lipid (cholesterol) abnormalities.
• About 70% of people with diabetes also have high blood pressure.
• “Sticky” blood platelets contribute to clotting problems and poor blood flow in people with diabetes.
• Smoking doubles the risk for CVD in people with diabetes.

Who Is At Highest Risk For Premature Death or Disability Due to Diabetes and CVD?

• People with a family history of diabetes.
• Overweight and obese people.
• Certain ethnic groups African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and Asian/Pacific Islanders.
• Older people.

What Are The Therapy Goals For Optimal Diabetes Management?

If you have diabetes, three of the most important parameters for you to control are your blood glucose (sugar), your blood pressure, and your cholesterol. We refer to these as the ABCs of diabetes..Let’s take a look.

1. A stands for Hemoglobin A1c, a test that measures how well your diabetes has been controlled over the last 3 months. The ideal level is less than 7 %.
2. B is for blod pressure…goal is less than 130/80 mmHg.
3. C is for cholesterol… goal is for LDL cholesterol less than 100.

What Should People With Diabetes Do to Lower Their CVD Risk?

Many studies have shown that tight control of diabetes lowers the risk of complications from the disease. Management approaches include lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, weight management, and increased physical activity. Medications prescribed by your doctor may also play an important role in management. Here are five recommendations:

• Participate with your health care team in treatment decisions, set individual lifestyle goals, become more educated about diabetes and actively manage the disease.
• Control your blood glucose and pressure to reduce the risk for eye, kidney, and nerve disease.
• Control your blood pressure and cholesterol to reduce the risk of CVD.
• If you smoke, quit!!
• Ask your medical provider about aspirin therapy for CVD prevention.