Blood Sugar Management for Heart Health

Allen Green, MD

5 years ago

Many people with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, are at a high risk of developing heart disease.However, with proper and strategic blood sugar management for heart health, you can lower your risk of heart disease. Keeping your blood sugar under control is already crucial for people with diabetes. For reducing the risk of heart disease, you will have to not only be constantly aware of your blood sugar levels but also closely monitor your body fat and overall weight.

Diabetes and Health Risk

There are many factors linked with diabetes that can cause grave health issues. These factors also play an important role in weakening your heart and resulting in heart disease.

1. Abnormal Cholesterol Levels

Every person has two types of cholesterol in their blood: HDL and LDL. These are the types of fat that are produced by the liver. LDL is often referred to as bad cholesterol as it is responsible for creating buildups inside the arteries. This buildup is often called plaque and is made up of cholesterol, calcium, and fat. It gradually narrows your arteries, making you vulnerable to heart disease or stroke. Similarly, another body fat, triglyceride, if found in a high number, can increase your risk of developing heart disease.

2. Smoking

Smoking is a harmful habit that leads to many serious, life-threatening diseases. Smoking itself is one of the primary causes of lung disease. Like diabetes, it causes your blood vessels to narrow, which, in turn, restricts the smooth flow of blood throughout your body. If you have diabetes, it is recommended that you quit smoking right away. In extreme cases, smoking can also lead to an increased risk of ulcers, lower leg infections and amputation.

3. Weight

Overweight people are at great risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease. It is important to remember that even if you are not overweight, excessive fat around your waist can be a cause of heart disease. You have excess belly fat if your waist is:

More than 35 inches (if you are a woman).
More than 40 inches (if you are a man).

For healthy living, it is imperative for you to follow a healthy diet plan to lower your glucose levels.

4. High Blood Pressure

People with high blood pressure are prone to developing heart disease. This is because when someone has high blood pressure, their heart will have to work harder to pump blood across the body. This can strain their heart and may lead to blood vessel damage. All of this combined can lead to kidney and eye problems and an increased risk of a heart attack.

5. Family History

Despite adopting a healthier lifestyle, if you have still developed heart disease, this could be because of your family history of heart disease. If your family member(s) had a heart attack before the age of 50, it is highly likely for you to have a stroke or a heart attack. If you are diabetic and if heart disease runs in your family, you must take proper steps for blood sugar management and make sure that you follow a healthy lifestyle to reduce the chances of a heart attack.

How to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

There is no denying the fact that diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. However, with proper control, you can definitely reduce the risk of developing the disease and lead a healthier life. Here’s what you can do for adequate blood sugar management for heart health.

1. Develop a Healthy Lifestyle

The first step towards reducing your risk of heart disease is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Positive changes in your lifestyle can help you to manage your diabetes as well as reduce the risk of developing heart disease. The first step towards this is creating a plan for healthy eating and strictly sticking to it. In addition to this, try to include more physical activities in your routine. Get enough sleep and try to maintain a healthy weight.

2. Manage the Diabetes ABCs

Having adequate knowledge about your diabetes ABCs will help you with cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar management for heart health.

A is for the A1C test

This test provides your average blood glucose level over the past three months. A highA1C number shows that your blood glucose level had been higher. This is alarming as the higher glucose level can have a harmful effect on your kidneys, eyes, blood vessels,heart, and eyes. Generally, people are recommended to maintain their A1C below 7%.

B is for blood pressure

As discussed above, high blood pressure can put extra strain on your heart, making you more susceptible to heart disease. The blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is 140/90 mm Hg. You should consult your physician and ask what should be your goal.

C is for cholesterol

Too much bad cholesterol in your body can weaken your heart. Bodies of people who are above 40 generally create bad cholesterol on their own – even if you are eating healthy. In that case, you should consult with your physician who is more likely to prescribe you medication to keep your cholesterol at a lower level.

S is to stop smoking

Smoking and diabetes is a lethal combination. Quitting smoking will help you reduce the risk of developing heart disease and be more physically active.

3. Learn to Manage Stress

Managing diabetes is not an easy task. Your busy lifestyle may leave you stressed out all the time, it is important to control your stress levels. This is because long-term stress can end up raising your blood pressure. Take part in activities that can calm your nerves, such as yoga, meditation, etc., to cope with stress.

Managing diabetes seems a bit difficult at first. However, with proper lifestyle changes, you can reduce the risk of developing other serious diseases.

To learn more about blood sugar management to lower your risk of heart disease, download our free eBook now!