(Source: Diabetes Canada)
Did you know?
Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. People with diabetes may develop heart disease 15 years earlier than those without diabetes.
The most common form of heart disease in diabetes is coronary artery disease. It develops when the arteries that supply the heart with blood become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits. If the arteries that supply the brain become blocked, this may lead to a stroke.
High blood glucose (sugar) is one risk factor for heart attack or stroke, but people with diabetes often have a number of other risk factors. These include inactivity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. People who smoke or have a family history of heart disease or stroke are at even higher risk.
Can I Reduce My Risk?
The good news is that people with diabetes can lower their risk of heart disease and stroke considerably by paying careful attention to all of their risk factors. Here are the ABCDEs of diabetes management:
A – A1C—Most people should aim for an A1C of 7.0%* or less by managing blood sugars well. A1C is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past 120 days.
B – Blood pressure—Your blood pressure should be less than 130/80* mmHg.
C – Cholesterol—The LDL (bad) cholesterol target is less than 2.0* mmol/L.
D – Drugs/Medications to protect your heart—Speak with your health-care team about medication to protect against heart attack and stroke, such as blood pressure pills (ACE inhibitors or ARBs), cholesterol-lowering pills (statins), Aspirin, Clopidogrel and others.
E – Exercise & Eating—Regular physical activity and a healthy diet are foundation staples to help reduce our risk!
S – Screening for complications—Ask your health-care team about tests for your heart, feet, kidneys, and eyes.
S – Smoking cessation—Stop smoking or seek help to quit.
S – Self management, stress, and other barriers—Set goals for yourself to reach your targets and live well with diabetes, such as managing stress effectively.
*Discuss your target values with your health-care team
Are you living with diabetes and want to learn more? Connect with our Diabetes Team!
