Did you know diabetes and heart disease are closely connected — much like the gears in a well-functioning machine? The relationship between these two conditions can significantly impact your overall health. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience a heart attack or stroke than those without diabetes. This is because of the damaging effects of high blood sugar on the blood vessels and nerves around the heart. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to help prevent both diabetes and heart disease.
Understanding the connections
Diabetes is a condition in which the body struggles to manage blood sugar effectively. Normally, your body converts food into sugar, providing energy. But in diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin (a hormone aiding sugar absorption), or can't use it properly. This results in higher blood sugar levels, affecting various aspects of the body, including the heart.
