Link Between Diabetes and Heart Disease

Submitted by Nic on December 13, 2012

Diabetes and heart disease are actively related to each other. People with diabetes belong to the high risk group for heart disease and may get the disease at a younger age as compared to people who do not have diabetes. The high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes can damage the arteries and elevate the risk of a severe heart disease.

Link Between Diabetes and Heart Disease

  • According to the US department of health and human services, high blood sugar levels increase the risk of angina, stroke, heart attack, and coronary artery disease in adults with diabetes. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to suffer a heart attack or a stroke than people who do not have diabetes.
  • People with diabetes can develop arthrosclerosis, a heart condition which hardens and narrows the arteries, due to the presence of high amounts of lipids in their blood vessels.
  • High blood pressure or hypertension, a sign of diabetes, causes great harm to the walls of the arteries. Also, the increase in the blood sugar levels roughen the blood vessels, which leads to clogged arteries and hindered blood circulation.
  • Hyperglycemia or excess glucose contributes greatly to the damage of capillaries and small blood vessels.
  • The common medical conditions associated with diabetes, namely, neuropathy and nephropathy, can have severe side effects on the heart.

Type 1 Diabetes and Heart Attack

Diabetes is a disease in which the blood sugar or blood glucose levels are high. A normal human system converts the food into glucose and uses a hormone, insulin, produced in the pancreas, to convert the glucose into energy.

Diabetes is classified into two main types

  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Type 2 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is referred to as a disorder wherein the pancreas stops the production of insulin. The body, in the absence of insulin, mobilises its own fat as an alternative. Various studies and medical research have underlined the association of coronary heart disease and type 1 diabetes. The higher levels of glucose in the blood and absence of insulin greatly enhances the risk of heart disease. High blood pressure and lipids also contribute to the risk of a serious heart ailment like a stroke, heart attack or heart failure.

Some research show that juvenile (type 1) diabetes is responsible for hard and stiff arteries in young adults. Hardened arteries are the main cause of atherosclerosis, a strong risk factor for a stroke and heart attack.

Medical studies have established a clear link between the cardiovascular disease and type 1 diabetes. The information available also indicates that women affected with type 1 diabetes are at a greater risk of heart disease.

Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease

Type 2 diabetes is a more prevalent form of diabetes. Almost 90% of people affected with the disease have type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, liver, muscle and fat in the body do not react properly to insulin, which results in insulin resistance. As a consequence, glucose does not reach these cells to be deposited as energy. This action builds up the blood sugar levels and the condition is known as hyperglycemia.

The high glucose levels in the body increase the risk of heart disease. With time, high levels of sugar in the blood make blood vessels narrow and thick, which hampers the blood circulation and can result in a serious heart attack.

Diabetes and Heart Disease Risk

Elevated blood sugar levels, hypertension, and body fat play a very crucial role in the link between diabetes and heart disease risk. Countless case studies on the topic have conclusively proven that diabetes is a high risk factor for serious heart ailments.

However, diabetes can be kept under control by medication, proper lifestyle, and exercise. The key is to be aware of the disease and make some alterations and modifications to live a normal, healthy and long life.

References

More articles from the Health Articles Category
ADVERTISEMENT