Diabetes
has many complications, some leading to other serious health
conditions. Heart health is one more reason to take control of your
diabetes.
Diabetes is one condition that must be treated as soon as it is
diagnosed, even though in its early stages it doesn't hurt, or cause
inconvenience, or create any worrisome symptoms. But ignoring it is a
mistake, because the blood sugar imbalance we diabetics live with can
cause a variety of complications, even leading to other serious health
conditions.
One major cause for concern is adverse effects on our hearts. Our
unstable blood sugar levels can cause poor circulation—a big step on
the road to heart problems. Here are some things to watch for.
Hypertension
Diabetes often goes hand-in-hand with high blood pressure, or
hypertension. In fact, your doctor will tell you that diabetics must
work to get their blood pressure down even lower than other people.
While a systolic pressure (the top number) of 140 might be acceptable
for the general population, we diabetics should aim for 130 or lower.
It's all part of the battle against possible heart disease.
Blood fats
Cholesterol and tryglycerides, or blood fats, also need to be kept
lower in diabetics. Lots of fruits and vegetables, fewer packaged or
fried foods are your best bets for dietary blood fat control. Throw out
that frying pan!
Blood sugar
Blood sugar levels need monitoring too, as consistently high levels
damage blood vessels and can lead to cardiovascular difficulties.
Weight level
And of course you know it's important to maintain a healthy weight. Why
is that particularly important for us diabetics? First, if you are
overweight your heart muscle needs to work harder to pump blood through
your system. This weakens your blood vessels, which are then more
susceptible to damage from fluctuating blood sugar levels. It's a
vicious cycle you don't want to create.
Your heart is the main engine of your whole body, so you need to do
everything possible to keep it in good shape. For the sake of a healthy
heart, take control of your diabetes.
