Though being a diabetic is not an immediate heart disease diagnosis, there is an increased likelihood for those living with diabetes to one day have a diagnosis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, someone with diabetes is twice as likely to have heart disease than someone without diabetes. You can significantly lower these risks with lifestyle changes and the correct education.
“There are three crucial steps anyone with diabetes should take to lower their risks: establishing their care team, having a primary care physician and educating themselves,” said Michelle Kennedy, BSN, RN, CDE, Diabetes Program Coordinator with Maury Regional Health. “Education is typically put on the back burner, but it often makes the biggest impact. In fact, we see a 95% success rate in patients lowering their A1C who come for education.”
Lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, avoiding tobacco and alcohol and regular doctor visits play a big role in a person’s health, as well.
So, what is the exact link between diabetes and heart disease? The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease explains that high blood glucose from diabetes can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. Over time, that damage could lead to heart disease.
A common strategy that Maury Regional Health shares with patients for managing their diabetes is following the ABC’s:
- A is for the A1C test: This test shows your average blood glucose level over the past three months. When your A1C test is high, it can greatly harm your heart.
- B is for blood pressure: When your blood pressure is too high, your heart is working harder and harder. In turn, high blood pressure can cause a heart attack or a stroke.
- C is for cholesterol: Cholesterol is a form of fat in your blood that can cause a heart attack or stroke. It is important to keep your numbers in a healthy range. Ask your doctor what a healthy range is for you.
- S is for stop smoking: Not smoking is incredibly important for people with diabetes. Diabetes, as well as smoking, narrows your blood vessels, making your heart work harder.
There is a lot of information regarding diabetes and the best way to navigate the disease. You are not alone in this journey; Maury Regional Health has numerous resources available to help at each step along the way.
Maury Regional Health offers classes and support groups for those navigating diabetes. The diabetes support group meets once per month. The support group offers open conversations, while sharing information about the management of diabetes. Visit MauryRegional.com/Support-Group for more information. There are also eight-hour diabetes self-management courses offered each month. These courses require a physician’s referral and are offered at flexible times. Learn more about our diabetes services by visiting MauryRegional.com/Diabetes.