Protecting Your Heart When You Have Diabetes

[February 21, 2025] 
Heart Disease in America

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for approximately 1 in 5 deaths annually. Heart disease is a general term that encompasses various conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels and includes conditions such as arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.

Diabetes and Heart Disease

Did you know people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to those without diabetes? In fact, the longer someone has diabetes, the higher their risk of developing heart disease.

When you have diabetes, your body doesn’t use or make insulin effectively, which can lead to high blood glucose (sugar) levels. High amounts of glucose in your blood damage your blood vessels and nerves, increasing your risk of developing heart disease.

Diabetes may lower your HDL or good cholesterol and increase your triglyceride levels. This is concerning because having a low HDL level and high triglyceride levels increases your risk of developing heart disease.
 
If you have diabetes, here are a few things you can do to protect your heart.
 
Know Your Diabetes ABCs

A is for A1C test. An A1C test differs from your daily blood glucose (sugar) checks because it shows your average blood glucose level over the past three months. Your healthcare provider will set your A1C goal, which will generally be below 7%.

B is for blood pressure. High blood pressure damages your blood vessels and makes your heart work harder. The added pressure to your blood vessels puts excess stress on your heart, brain, and kidneys and can lead to a heart attack or stroke. For most people who have diabetes, your blood pressure goal will be below 140/90 mm Hg. But speak with your healthcare provider to see what is best for you.

C is for cholesterol. High LDL levels, often called “bad” cholesterol, increase your risk of heart disease. Cholesterol can build up in the walls of your arteries and form plaque, which can then block blood flow and increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. If you have high cholesterol levels, work with your healthcare provider to see what you can do to lower it.

S is for stop smoking. Did you know that both diabetes and smoking cause your blood vessels to narrow, which then makes your heart work harder and increases your risk of heart disease? If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask for help on how to stop.

Knowing your health metric numbers, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and body weight, and understanding what those numbers mean can provide insight into your overall health, allowing you to identify potential risks for chronic diseases before they happen.

Take Action Today

Take action today by speaking to your healthcare provider and getting tested so you can know your numbers. Once you know your numbers, you can make lifestyle changes to protect your health and work to keep them within the desired range.

Your journey toward health is ever-changing because our lives are ever-changing, which has both good and challenging aspects. Wherever you are in your journey, I encourage you to embrace the challenges as well as the celebrations because, without each, we could not truly see their value. Best wishes on your journey!

SOURCE: Diane Reinhold, MPH, MS, RDN, Nutrition and Wellness Educator, University of Illinois Extension.