What is the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD)?

CVD is a major complication of diabetes and the leading cause of early death among people with diabetes— about 65 percent of people with diabetes die from heart disease and stroke.

Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or suffer a stroke than people without diabetes.

High blood glucose in adults with diabetes increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, angina, and coronary artery disease. 1

People with type 2 diabetes also have high rates of high blood pressure, lipid problems, and obesity, which contribute to their high rates of CVD. 2

Smoking doubles the risk of CVD in people with diabetes.

What can people with diabetes do to lower their CVD risk?

People with diabetes can work with their health care team to develop and use an action plan to reach their ABC goals. An action plan can help people to:

Reach and stay at a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

Get at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity. Brisk walking or a similar activity most days of the week can help with weight loss and lower blood pressure.

Eat foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars – choose lean meats, poultry, fish, nuts (in small amounts), fat free or lowfat milk, and milk products.

Eat more fiber – whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dry peas and beans.

Stop smoking – or ask their health care team for help to quit. Smoking is one of the major risk factors associated with heart attack and stroke.

Take medications as directed – and ask their doctor about taking daily aspirin.

Ask family and friends to help them manage their diabetes. This support can help people reach their goals.

Goals for optimal control of diabetes include the ABC’s– A1C (a measure of average blood glucose), Blood pressure, and Cholesterol. The ABC treatment goals for most people with diabetes are:

A – A1C (blood glucose) less than seven percent

B – Blood Pressure less than 130/80 mmHg

C – Cholesterol – LDL less than 100 mg/dl

For more information about diabetes, contact your local health department and ask to speak to the diabetes educator or call 1-800-928-4416. You may also visit our website, www.lcdhd.org or become a fan of Lake Cumberland District Health Department on Facebook.

For free copies of National Diabetes Education Program’s materials about the ABCs of diabetes, call 1-800-438-5383 or visit www.ndep.nih.gov and click on diabetes control. These materials may be downloaded, reproduced, and distributed without copyright restrictions – or visit www.ndep.nih.gov to learn more.