Diabetes and your heart
Two of every three diabetics die from a heart event. Why blood vessel damage compounds over decades and what actually protects the cardiovascular system.
Two of three diabetics will die from a heart event. Managing diabetes is primarily about protecting your blood vessels.
Why diabetes hurts the heart
High blood sugar damages the inside lining of blood vessels (endothelium). Damaged vessels accumulate plaque faster. Diabetes also drives high BP, abnormal cholesterol, and chronic inflammation.
The numbers to know
- BP: under 130/80
- LDL: under 70 if heart disease, under 100 otherwise
- HDL: over 40 (M) / 50 (F)
- Triglycerides: under 150
- HbA1c: under 7%
What protects
Daily walking, Mediterranean/Indian-style plate, 5-10% weight loss, no smoking, statin (most diabetics over 40 per current guidelines).