Amid High Risks... How Do Diabetic Patients Protect Their Hearts?

SadaNews - A person with diabetes faces a significant risk of heart diseases, as elevated blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. According to scientists, this damage can lead to heart diseases over time.

According to the World Health Organization, death rates from diabetes among people aged 30 to 70 have increased since 2020. Approximately 47 percent of the 1.6 million deaths that occurred in 2021 were due to diabetes before the age of 70.

The "National Institutes of Health" (NIH) revealed that diabetic patients are often at a higher risk of heart diseases at a younger age compared to non-diabetics. However, the good news is that the steps you take to manage diabetes can help reduce the likelihood of heart disease or stroke.

Here are seven ways to prioritize your heart health while managing diabetes:

1- Maintain a Healthy Weight

Experts indicate that excess fat around the abdomen may increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for preventing heart diseases. Losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can significantly improve your heart health and lower blood sugar levels.

2 - Exercise Regularly

Staying physically active is essential for your overall health. But with health conditions like diabetes, regular exercise is vital. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure, and also reduce body weight.

3 - Healthy Diet

Diabetic patients should focus on consuming whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables, including healthy fats such as nuts and foods prepared with olive oil. Along with regular exercise, your diet is vitally important, and following a healthy eating plan can improve your health and help you manage diabetes.

4 - Breathing Exercises

Stress is a non-trivial contributor to heart diseases and is also a formidable enemy of blood sugar regulation. Therefore, practicing breathing exercises helps calm your mind and body, keeping your health in good condition.

5 - Monitor Glucose Levels

Regularly monitoring your glucose levels is a good habit that helps you adjust your blood sugar during your effort to manage diabetes. This habit enables you to know the next steps you need to take.

6 - Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst causes of heart diseases and diabetes. Quitting this habit is essential for managing diabetes and protecting your heart health. Quitting smoking improves circulation, reduces blood pressure, and enhances cardiovascular health.

7 - Regular Check-ups

Do not neglect the recommended regular exams and tests by healthcare providers. Also, ensure that you do not replace doctor-prescribed medications with lifestyle changes, as balancing both is a crucial part of managing diabetes.