Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease.
Elevated blood glucose from type 2 diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves over time, contributing to the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Statistics/Demographics
India is facing a double burden with increasing cases of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. It's estimated that India will have the highest number of diabetics by 2045. Individuals with diabetes have a two to three times higher risk of heart diseases.
Which are the body parts that get effected?
Diabetes affects the pancreas and body's ability to use glucose. Cardiovascular diseases majorly affect the heart and blood vessels. When combined, they strain the cardiovascular system, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral arterial diseases.
Symptoms:
Preclinical: Elevated blood sugar without other significant symptoms, potential silent ischemia (lack of oxygen to heart muscle without symptoms).
Clinical: Frequent urination, increased thirst, chest pain or discomfort, pain in arms, neck, jaw, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, fatigue, blurred vision. Mayo Clinic on Silent Ischemia
Risk factors:
Sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, obesity, smoking, family history, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, age, chronic stress.
How to control/manage the condition?
Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, dietary adjustments, managing blood sugar levels, medications for blood sugar and heart diseases, regular health check-ups.
Role of nutrition & diet:
Diet plays a crucial role in managing both conditions. A balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars, but rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is beneficial.
What should you focus on?
Include: High fiber, reduced salt, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids
Limit: Added sugars, processed foods, foods rich in cholesterol.