Heart Disease: The Diabetes Connection
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, one-half of all Americans die from it. And what’s worse, there are a lot of people who don’t even know they have heart disease because their symptoms are mild and vague. Heart disease doesn’t just strike your body – it also strikes at your wallet and peace of mind, too!
These days a heart attack can cost you more than 100,000 in medical expenses alone. That means that if you have a heart attack, not only will you be out of work for months or years while recovering from surgery or other treatments, but your family may also suffer financially as well.
The best way to avoid this terrible scenario is to recognize the warning signs and seek immediate medical attention. But there are also ways you can lessen your risk for heart disease further by keeping diabetes under control.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body fails to produce or properly utilize insulin, a hormone needed to convert food into energy. The body’s cells need insulin to convert sugar, starches, and other food into the energy they need to function properly.
Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Diabetes that isn’t under control can lead to heart disease or other serious health problems.
If you are reading this article then there is a high chance you have type 2 diabetes and use Lantus solostar to treat it. Remember you can get access to copay cards for Lantus solostar by joining a prescription advocacy program. This can ultimately end up saving you thousands of dollars a year on your prescription.
How Heart Disease relates to Diabetes?
Heart disease and diabetes are more closely linked than you may think. In fact, up to 90 percent of people with Type 2 Diabetes have heart disease or some form of cardiovascular disorder by the time they’re diagnosed.
In addition, many people with Type 1 Diabetes also suffer from coronary artery disease. If your doctor detects that your cholesterol elevat or that your blood pressure is too high, tell them about any heart problems you’ve had in the past. If you have diabetes, even if it hasn’t been diagnosed yet, and you suspect you may also have cardiovascular disease (CVD), immediately contact your doctor, and go to a clinic with CVD experts like those at The Research Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.
What To do If you Have Diabetes and Heart Disease?
If you have diabetes and heart disease. The wise course of action is to be especially careful about your risk factors. For example:
- Eat healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (foods that are low in fat) instead of junk food; use spices instead of salt to flavor foods; drink alcohol only in moderation (if at all), and exercise regularly.
- If you smoke, quit immediately – cigarette smoking raises your risk for heart disease dramatically. If you are unable to stop smoking on your own. Ask your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy or medication to help you quit.
- Make sure that your doctor regularly monitors your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
- Have a stress test to check for heart disease if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.
In addition, being obese puts you at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes because the extra weight causes your body to produce too much insulin. Your doctor can help you lose weight through exercise and by following a specific diet. You can take drugs like Metformin to help control your blood glucose levels. Which in turn may lower your risk of heart disease.
If you are a diabetic or a heart patient make sure you visit Cardiologist in Lahore or Best Cardiologist in Islamabad.
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