Diabetes and Heart Health: How to reduce cardiovascular risks
Living with diabetes isn’t easy. There are chances that you would have heard “heart health” more often once you get diabetic. The close connection between your heart and diabetes is something you can’t ignore. They are like great chums that seldom leave the other’s side. But worry not, we are not here to stress you out. Instead, let’s walk you through a bit of information on how to keep your heart in shape while you manage diabetes. It may not be too hard, but first, you must understand the connection.
Why Does Diabetes Affect the Heart?
According to the Heart Foundation, cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death among people with diabetes. Especially, type 2 diabetes not only increases your sugar levels but also increases your cardiovascular risks. High sugars gradually affect the blood vessels of the heart, damaging them. If your blood sugar remains high over a long period, the arteries get stiff, making the heart require extra effort to push the blood through them. This weakens the cardiovascular system and leads to cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, those who have diabetes are at 2 to 4 times the risk of having a cardiovascular disease such as heart attack or stroke than those who don’t. Isn’t it a big reason to pay attention to your heart health if you are a diabetic patient?
The Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
The bad trio of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high sugar levels itself is a sign worth worrying about. The other signs of heart issues are:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs
- Chest discomfort and pain
- Unusual exhaustion
If you find any of these symptoms, it’s better to get yourself thoroughly examined by your physician.
Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy
So, how to reduce cardiovascular risks if you have diabetes? You need to bring in small changes that can make a great difference.
Watch Your Numbers
Keep track of your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Check them regularly and learn what are healthy ranges that are perfect for you. If any of them go off, you will be able to manage them before it’s too late.
Even A Little, But Do Some Exercise
Be consistent with your exercise regimen. Even if you do a little, but keep your body moving. Walking, dancing, biking, or anything that you enjoy will help your heart to be strong and healthy. Physical activities also keep your sugar levels in check. Exercise or any physical activity you do acts as a mood enhancer and reduces stress.
Eat Heart-Healthy Foods
You may have heard it umpteen times, but it’s worth repeating: when it comes to heart, diet matters. Reduce intake of foods that are processed and laden with oil and sugar. Go for a high-fiber diet with lots of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and fat-less proteins. Have nuts and healthy fats, which is good for your heart.
Quit Smoking
Smoking constricts your blood vessels, making your heart work harder. If you are addicted to smoking there are ways to quit smoking. There are herbal and traditional treatments available to help you get rid of this addiction.
Take Care of Stress
Blood pressure and blood sugar are badly affected when you are stressed. Try to find ways that can help you relax. Flip through pages of your favorite book, do some jogging or yoga, or just take some time to destress yourself with meditation. Maybe you will listen to your heart saying ‘thank you.’
Medication: Your Silent Ally
Blood sugar can be managed by conventional diabetes treatment or ayurvedic medicines for diabetes. These medicines are formulated with ayurvedic herbs that are safe, and natural yet effective for managing diabetes. Medications become a necessity when sugar, cholesterol, or blood pressure levels are up. So, medications become a part of your plan to make your heart healthy.
The Takeaway
The connection between your heart and your sugar levels may be complicated, but it’s something that you can handle. You can reduce cardiovascular risks by regularly checking your health numbers and following some healthy habits. You can pick any diabetes ayurvedic remedy if you are seeking natural ways to control sugar levels. Never ignore any signs that are indicators of heart issues. When you take care of your heart, you are taking control of your diabetes too. Be mindful and consistent in taking care of your heart as it is working hard for you around the clock.
