Manage Diabetes to Protect your Heart

Posted on: Nov 15, 2022 | | Written by:

Manage Diabetes to Protect your Heart

Published on November 15, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

We frequently come across the word ‘diabetes’, and we almost forget that this chronic disease is a huge reason behind several major health complications. Therefore, World Diabetes Day is observed every November 14 to raise awareness surrounding diabetes as a global public health issue and what we can collectively and individually do for better prevention, faster diagnosis, and proper management of the ailment. Apart from this, it’s also important to be financially protected with an individual health insurance policy or a family plan to help meet medical expenses while getting the best healthcare facilities. Adding a critical illness insurance policy to your existing plan can also be a significant financial relief given the high treatment costs of critical illnesses such as stroke, cardiac ailments, etc.

1. How does diabetes affect the heart?

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in type 2 diabetic population. If you have been suffering from diabetes for a long time, high blood glucose can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. With time, this damage can cause cardiac ailments.

People with diabetes risk developing other health conditions, which affect the heart, such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and excess bad cholesterol or LDL. High blood pressure can damage artery walls due to the high force of blood through your arteries. High triglycerides and LDL can harden the arteries increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and strokes.

Coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis is the most common cause of heart disease among people with diabetes. Plaque (made up of cholesterol and other substances) forms in the arteries that supply blood to the heart causing the arteries to harden. As a result, the blood flow to your heart gets reduced and weakens the heart muscles, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart diseases.

Heart failure is also another serious medical issue with diabetic patients. When the heart is unable to pump blood adequately, it can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing or fluid retention in other parts of the body, causing swelling.

2. How to prevent the risk of heart disease in diabetics

1. Manage your ABCs:

A is for the A1C or HbA1C test, showing your average blood glucose levels for the last three months. A reading of 6.5% or more means you have diabetes. B stands for blood pressure which should be maintained at 130/80mmHg.Heart attacks and strokes are two possible outcomes of hypertension. Managing C or cholesterol levels is vital to protect your heart. Moreover, smoking and diabetes are a deadly combination; the sooner you quit smoking, the better it is for your heart.

2. Healthy lifestyle:

Your diet should have more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat. Avoid processed and junk foods, trans fats, sugary drinks, etc. Drink adequate water, maintain a healthy weight and get enough sleep.

3. Stay physically active:

In addition to a healthy diet, staying physically active is a must not just for weight loss but also to manage blood glucose levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Make an effort to walk for a minimum of 30 minutes every day.

4. Manage stress:

Your stress level can adversely affect your blood pressure and blood glucose levels. You can manage stress in many ways, such as practising meditation or deep breathing, yoga, gardening, hobbies, or music. You can also talk to a counsellor about how to manage stress.

5. Know your levels:

Regularly check your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels to ensure they are under control. Take medications if necessary.

Conclusion

Diabetes and heart disease are interlinked. Those with diabetes have an increased risk of developing heart conditions, but the risk can be lowered by making lifestyle changes and following other tips, as mentioned above. As diabetes and related health conditions need regular medical attention, a health insurance policy with a critical illness insurance policy can lessen your financial burden by taking care of the expenses.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Here’s Why You Should Add Ayurveda to Your Health Plan

Do Health Insurance Plans Cover Lifestyle Diseases?

Consider these 6 things while buying a health plan for diabetics in 2022

Diabesity – Find Out How Obesity Is Related To Diabetes

Can You Control Diabetes By Altering Your Food Choices?