Learn about the link between diabetes, obesity, and heart disease — and how to lower your risk.
People who have diabetes and/or obesity are more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than people without diabetes. In fact, every 19 seconds, someone with diabetes is hospitalized for major cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the United States. That’s why the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) and the Obesity Association, a division of the ADA, are working to provide resources to help individuals living with diabetes and/or obesity reduce their risk and lower the prevalence of both health conditions.
Heart health is impacted by many factors, including blood glucose (blood sugar), blood pressure, and cholesterol. High blood glucose levels can harm the blood vessels and nerves needed for heart health. High blood pressure makes this worse by making the blood flow through arteries at a higher pressure. High LDL cholesterol (sometimes called “bad” cholesterol) causes plaque to build up in the arteries, affecting blood flow. When high blood glucose, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are present together, they weaken the heart and increase the risk of CVD — especially in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity.
Signs to look out for
Symptoms of CVD to look out for include shortness of breath, fatigue, and pain in your chest, throat, back, legs, neck, jaw, upper abdomen, or arms. If you have these symptoms, alert your healthcare provider.
Also, be alert for signs of a heart attack. If you have the following symptoms, it’s important to call 911 right away. Getting help as soon as possible will keep the situation from getting worse or causing more damage to your heart, brain, or blood vessels:
- Chest pain or discomfort, tightness, pressure
- Fullness — this might feel like indigestion or heartburn
- Discomfort in one or both of your arms, your back, jaw, neck, or upper abdomen
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Indigestion, nausea, or vomiting
- Tiredness, fainting, or feeling light-headed
By following a healthy eating plan, getting regular physical activity, and taking other steps to manage your diabetes and/or weight, you can lower your risk of CVD. It’s also important to have regular health visits and get your A1C (a picture of your average blood glucose over the past two to three months), blood pressure, and cholesterol levels checked. Talk to your healthcare provider about the results and whether you should adjust your treatment plan to better reach your health goals. For additional support, the ADA and the Obesity Association provide a wealth of resources for you and your loved ones at diabetes.org/about-diabetes/complications/cardiovascular-disease and obesityassociation.org.
