Diabetes & Heart Disease

If you have diabetes, you are at increased risk for heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is the most common cause of death in people with diabetes.

Coronary Artery Disease is the most common type of heart disease. It’s caused by the narrowing or clogging of blood vessels in your heart. Over time, high blood glucose levels damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications such as heart disease and stroke.

You can decrease the risk of this happening if you start now. Start setting goals today to keep your blood glucose levels within healthy ranges, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, start eating healthier foods, maintain a healthy weight and become more physically active.

Why am I at risk for heart disease?

Diabetes increases your risk for heart disease. Other risk factors include: family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity (especially around the waist and abdomen), elevated cholesterol levels, and smoking.

What can I do to reduce my risk of heart disease?

  • Aim for blood glucose levels within target ranges and an A1C that your care team recommends (as close to normal as possible without causing low glucose reactions).
  • Maintain:
    • Blood pressure less than 130/80mmHg
    • LDL Cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) under 100 mg/dL
    • AND Triglycerides under 150 mg/dL (Note: Triglycerides are a form of fat that float in the blood along with cholesterol. This number is shown in a standard cholesterol test)
  • Aim for a healthy weight and increase your daily physical activity.
  • Choose foods according to your meal plan.
  • If you smoke, take steps to cut down or stop!

What can I do to monitor my heart health?

  • Get your cholesterol measured every year to look for levels of cholesterol (LDL and HDL) and triglycerides that are not healthy.
  • Check your blood pressure at every healthcare visit.
  • Get your A1C test every 3-6 months (depending on your healthcare provider’s recommendation) and track your daily glucose levels.
  • Ask your healthcare provider about taking aspirin daily, which can lower the risk of a heart attack.

Start taking steps to manage your diabetes, and improve your cardiovascular health.

For additional information on diabetes and heart disease, go to the American Heart Association.