Diabetes and heart disease

There are two types of diabetes:

• Type 1; and
• Type 2.

Type 1 diabetes
Usually develops in younger people. With this type of diabetes, the pancreas does not produce any insulin, the hormone that controls the level of glucose (sugar) in their blood. With this type of diabetes the patient needs to control their blood sugar by having insulin injections.

Type 2 diabetes
Which does not need to be controlled by insulin, is the most common type of diabetes. It usually appears in middle age. With this type of diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot make effective use of the insulin that is produced. Type 2 diabetes is controlled with tablets and a healthy balanced diet. If this does not control the blood sugar levels, insulin injections may be needed.

Abnormally high or low levels of sugar in the blood can damage the arteries that supply the heart with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to work properly.

Diabetes affects your cholesterol levels. When these levels are high, cholesterol builds up in the artery and forms ‘plaques’. This makes the arteries narrow and rigid (hardened), which can result in high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. Ideally, your cholesterol levels should be below 4.8mmols

It is important that your blood pressure is monitored as uncontrolled blood pressure can mean that the heart has to work harder. This puts an extra workload not only on your heart but also your kidneys. Your blood pressure needs to be below 140/80. If it is above this you should see your GP.

If you smoke, you need to stop as this can irritate the arteries, make the blood stickier and affect the way the body uses insulin.

Regular exercise will not only make you feel better, it will also improve the way your body uses insulin, help you lose weight, and make your heart more efficient.

If you have diabetes it is important to have a healthy lifestyle and monitor your blood sugar levels closely. The risk of heart disease is two to four times higher in diabetics, coronary heart disease arises at a much younger age, and the risk of death from heart disease is eight times more than it is for people who do not have diabetes.