Diabetes and heart diseases are closely linked and can cause serious health problems. It’s important to understand how they connect to help manage and prevent these issues.
How Common Are They?
- Diabetes Numbers: In 2021, about 537 million adults between the ages of 20 and 79 had diabetes. This number is expected to jump to 783 million by 2045, according to the International Diabetes Federation.
- Heart Risk: People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease than those without it. About 68% of adults aged 65 or older who have diabetes die from heart-related issues.
Why Do They Happen?
- High Blood Sugar: When blood sugar stays high for a long time, it can cause changes in proteins and fats, leading to serious problems like inflammation and clogged arteries.
- Insulin Problems: Some people have trouble responding to insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar. This can lead to higher levels of fats in the blood and worsen heart disease.
- Inflammation: People with diabetes often have high levels of inflammation markers in their bodies. This can harm blood vessels and make heart problems worse.
What Are the Effects?
- Heart Disease: Diabetes greatly increases the chance of heart disease, causing about half of all deaths in diabetic patients.
- Heart Failure: People with diabetes are 2 to 5 times more likely to develop heart failure compared to others. Research shows that diabetes is a major risk factor for this condition.
- Stroke: The risk of having a stroke is 2 to 4 times higher in those with diabetes.
How Can We Manage It?
- Screening and Prevention: It’s crucial for people with diabetes to regularly check their heart risk factors. The American Diabetes Association suggests monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels.
- Treatment Options: Managing diabetes and heart health can include lifestyle changes, diabetes medications, and heart-protective treatments like certain medicines.
In short, the link between diabetes and heart disease highlights the importance of care that treats both conditions together.