Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
What is the link between Type 2 diabetes and heart disease?
Type 2 diabetes is more than simply a raised blood glucose level. You are also likely to develop various problems related to your heart and blood vessels – for example, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Although the link between high blood pressure and diabetes is not yet fully understood, it is thought that it may result from high levels of insulin circulation in your blood as a result of insulin resistance (which is usual in Type 2 diabetes). As a result, your blood vessels become scarred and hard plaques form – this causes narrowing of your blood vessels, which makes it more difficult for your blood to flow. The risk of blockages in your blood vessels also increases; these can cause angina (severe chest pain) or a heart attack.
What is cardiovascular disease?
“Cardio” means heart and “vascular” means blood vessels. If you have Type 2 diabetes, you are prone to a range of cardiovascular problems including high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia (a high level of fat in your blood), angina (severe chest pain), heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease (pain in yoru legs when walking or resting due to reduced circulation), and heat failure. You are also two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) than someone without diabetes. CVD is one of the major problems associated with Type 2 diabetes.
How would I know if I have CVD?
CVD does not necessarily cause any symptoms and may only become apparent when you have a heart attack or a stroke. But it is possible for your health professional to look for signs of CVD, such as high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol in your blood. If tests are positive, you can have treatment for these conditions even though they do not make you feel ill. This is why you need to have your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels checked regularly.
Can I take drugs to prevent CVD?
Taking regular low doses of aspirin (or other blood-thinning tablets if you can’t take aspirin) can help reduce your risk. You may also be prescribed pills to reduce your cholesterol level if you need them. Even if you need pills, eating healthily and becoming or staying active will play an important role in lowering your risk of CVD.
What exactly are “raised blood lipids”?
When you have Type 2 diabetes, your levels of cholesterol and triglycerides – two types of lipids (fats) in the blood – are likely to be raised, a condition known as hyperlipidemia. Both of these fats are essential in small amounts, but when their levels are raised they can damage your arteries. There are two types of cholesterol in your blood: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In a healthy person, the proportion of HDL to LDL is higher than it is in a person with Type 2 diabetes. Elevated levels of lipids in the blood are treated in order to lower your blood fats and to correct the ratio of HDL to LDL. This in turn prevents your arteries from narrowing.
How can losing weight prevent CVD?
If you are overweight, losing even a few pounds is one of the most important things you can do if you have Type 2 diabetes. Losing weight and becoming more active will help to lower your blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Your body will also become more responsive to the insulin you produce, and your heart will be under less strain.
Will physical activity help me prevent CVD?
Yes, just 30 minutes of moderate activity five times a week will help you control your blood pressure and reduce your cholesterol level, which in turn reduces your risk of CVD. Physical activity helps you lose weight because you not only burn more calories while you are active but you also speed up your metabolic rate so that your body uses up more calories even when you are less active.
How important is it to stop smoking now I have Type 2 diabetes?
Very important; if you smoke, you have a far higher risk of CVD, heart attack, and stroke. Having Type 2 diabetes further increases the risk. Going to smoking cessation clinics and using nicotine replacement therapy such as patches or chewing gum can help you give up.
My Type 2 diabetes was diagnosed after a heart attack. How can I prevent another?
Taking any medication you have been prescribed to reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol level, increase your blood flow, and control your blood glucose level will make a big difference. Relaxation therapy and attending your cardiac rehabilitation meetings will help to reduce your risk. Stopping smoking and being active – for example, walking every day – are also important.
