Updated on October 7, 2022.
The facts around diabetes, heart disease, and stroke are worrisome: Compared to people without diabetes, those with the disease are nearly two times as likely to die from heart disease or stroke. But there is some good news.
Although type 2 diabetes is considered a major risk factor for heart disease, it is also considered a controllable risk factor. This means you have the ability to reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke by taking steps to properly manage diabetes and keep the condition under control.
How type 2 diabetes contributes to heart attack and stroke
The high blood sugar levels associated with type 2 diabetes can cause major damage to the blood vessels. They can also contribute to high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of blood clots in the heart and brain, as well, which trigger the majority of heart attacks and strokes. The cause of blood clotting in people with type 2 diabetes is atherosclerosis, or a buildup of plaque inside the arteries.
Plaque is a waxy substance in the blood made up of cholesterol, fat, and cellular waste products. When this substance accumulates in the arteries that supply the heart with blood, it is called coronary artery disease—a term that is often used interchangeably with heart disease. When the buildup occurs in the arteries of the limbs, it is called peripheral artery disease. If the plaque buildup ruptures, a blood clot can form, blocking blood flow.
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when one or more of the arteries that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood becomes blocked or severely narrowed. Deprived of this oxygen-rich blood, the heart muscle begins to die.
Strokes are sometimes called “brain attacks.” They occur when there is an interruption in the supply of oxygen and blood to the brain. When a stroke occurs, brain tissue begins to die within minutes, which is why timely treatment is essential for preventing serious and permanent damage.
There are several varieties of stroke. The most common type is ischemic, which occurs when a blood vessel is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. There is a third type of stroke known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke. A TIA occurs when there is a temporary blockage of a blood vessel that lasts only a few minutes. TIAs are sometimes called “warning strokes” because they are often followed by a stroke with permanent damage.
What you can do to reduce your risk
Keeping type 2 diabetes under control will help you reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and other potentially fatal heart-related events. A lifestyle built around a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits is essential:
- Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. Eat fewer processed foods (such as chips, sweets, and fast food) and avoid trans fat. Consider seeing a dietitian or a diabetes educator if you need help developing an eating plan that works for you.
- If you’re overweight or obese, work toward achieving a healthy weight. Even losing 5 to 7 percent of your body weight can lower your blood sugar levels and triglycerides.
- It’s important to limit or avoid drinking alcohol. Drink more water.
- Move more. Most adults should get at least 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, five days a week. Check with your healthcare provider (HCP) about the right level of exercise for you.
- Do not smoke. If you do smoke, quit. Smoking significantly increases your risk of type 2 diabetes complications.
Always follow the blood sugar monitoring schedule and treatment plan prescribed by your HCP. Have your ABC numbers (A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol) checked regularly. Some people with type 2 diabetes may also need to see a cardiologist to more closely monitor their heart health and some take medications to protect their heart and brain.
