Heart diseases and  Diabetes

There are factors some within our control and some beyond our control that can raise the risk of heart disease in those who have diabetes.  The word diabetes is automatically associated with high blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, diabetes mellitus is more than just a reference to high blood sugar levels. lt is a metabolic disorder in which the blood sugar levels tend to be high either because the body does not produce enough insulin, the body cells do not respond to the insulin as they should or both

Persons suffering from diabetes are not only twice as likely to suffer a heart attack as compared to non-diabetics, but they also have a tendency to develop heart disease or suffer a stroke at an earlier age. Additionally, heart attacks in those with diabetes tend to be more serious and more likely to result in death.

Heart related symptoms

It is important to recognize heart related symptoms and seek immediate help if they occur. Amongst others, the signs and symptoms of a heart attack may include the following;

• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or upper part of the stomach.
• Shortness of breath.
• Feeling of nausea or vomiting.
• Lightheadedness.
• Sudden dizziness.
• Feeling of disproportionate tiredness or lack of energy.

Factors BeYond Control

• Increasing age.
• Family history of early heart disease.
• incorrect lifestyle. As compared to men, women were earlier believed to be naturally protected from heart disease till menoPause. However,this is now nullified by the lifestyle one leads today

Controllable Factors

• Unhealthy levels of blood cholesterol: high LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and low HDL (good cholesterol) levels
• High blood Pressure
• Smoking.
• Prediabetes i.e. a condition where the blood sugar levels are high but not as high as in diabetes.
• Being overweight or obese.
• Lack of physical activity.
• Unhealthy dietary habits