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The link between diabetes and heart disease
STILLWATER, Okla. - When it comes to diabetes, heart disease and stroke, the statistics that link them are alarming.
People 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 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.”
Deaths from heart disease in women with diabetes have increased 23 percent over the past 30 years compared to a 27 percent decrease in women without diabetes. Deaths from heart disease in men with diabetes have decreased by only 13 percent compared to a 36 percent decrease in men without diabetes.
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.
“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.
A daily finger-prick check provides a limited measure of diabetes management because the test is only a snapshot of a person’s health at any given moment.
Hypertension often goes unnoticed. A recent study found that 71 percent of people with diabetes have high blood pressure, and 43 percent were doing nothing to treat it. In fact, about one-third of this group did not even know they had hypertension.
When it comes to cholesterol, foods that are considered “low enough” for someone without diabetes are still “too high” for people with diabetes.
“These individuals may need to work even harder to lower their cholesterol level,” she said.
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)
