10 Ways To Prevent Diabetes-led Heart Disease

The best measure to avoid diabetes-led heart disease is to manage the condition and look after your health. Here are some ways to do so:

1.Keep your blood sugar at a healthy level

Monitor your blood sugar level daily to assess how it is affected by foods and activities, and if the treatment plan is working.

2.Get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control

Medications, if necessary, must be taken.

3.Maintain a healthy weight and lose some pounds if necessary

Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and has been associated with insulin resistance. If you are overweight, shedding a few kilos can boost your body’s ability to use insulin, lower blood sugar level, and improve blood pressure and lipids levels.

4.Seek a doctor’s advice to reduce risk of heart disease

Check if you need medications, such as aspirin, to protect against cardiovascular conditions.

5.Exercise regularly

This helps to better control blood sugar level and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Muscles that are working use more glucose than those that are resting, thus the greater sugar uptake by muscle cells lowers blood sugar levels. Exercise is also beneficial for weight control and stress management. You should complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (exercising at a level that raises your heart rate and makes you perspire) every week. This includes light jogging, brisk walking, cycling, and water aerobics.

6.Adopt a heart-healthy diet

Control portion size, eat more fruits and vegetables, choose wholegrain products, limit intake of saturated and trans fats, select low-fat protein sources, and reduce sodium intake. Drink alcohol in moderation. Allow yourself an occasional treat and you will find that heart-healthy eating is both possible and enjoyable.

7.Quit smoking

Smoking puts you ― whether or not you have diabetes ― at higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Learn about smoking cessation programmes and tools. Non-smokers should stay away from second-hand smoke.

8.Manage and reduce stress

Stress can cause blood glucose levels in diabetics to rise. Get rid of physical or mental stresses through relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, yoga and meditation.

9.Take medications as prescribed and keep to your appointments

Update your heart doctor on how you are doing during each visit.

10.Get enough sleep

Lack of sleep can increase your craving for sugar and high-calorie foods, even when your body does not need them. This can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance.