The link between diabetes and heart disease

Individuals with diabetes are more than twice as likely to develop heart disease as those without diabetes, said Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension nutrition education specialist.

“As many as 65 percent of people with diabetes die from heart disease and stroke,” Hermann said. “What’s frightening is the lack of awareness about the link between diabetes and heart disease.”

In addition, heart attacks occur at an earlier age in people with diabetes, and people with diabetes are more likely to die from a heart attack and are more likely than those without diabetes to have a second heart attack.

The American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology are leading an effort to help educate people on this critically important topic. “Make the Link!” is an initiative focused on reducing deaths associated with diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The initiative encourages people with diabetes and their healthcare providers to work together to manage diabetes more comprehensively in an effort to reduce risk factors that could lead to heart disease and stroke.

“It’s important for people to understand that diabetes management goes beyond controlling just blood sugar,” Hermann said. “One way for people to reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke is to know their diabetes ABCs. A is for A1C, which is short for the hemoglobin A1C test, which measures blood glucose over the past three months. B is for blood pressure, and C is for cholesterol.”

The target ranges for the ABCs are an A1C of less than 7 percent; blood pressure less than 130/80; and cholesterol LDL less than 100 mg/dl.

There are many ways in which to break this link. Even small changes can lower the risks. Some suggestions include keeping blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure numbers as close to normal as possible; quit smoking; be active most days; eat low-fat meals that are high in fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods; consult a healthcare provider about the benefits of taking aspirin and other medications that can help reduce the chances of having a heart attack or stroke; and work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for treating diabetes and reducing the risk for heart disease and stroke.

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 Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
 
Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
136 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK  74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu