The incidence of cardiovascular disease increases greatly when also living diabetes. Data from the National Heart Association shows 65% of people with diabetes will die from some sort of heart disease or stroke. In general, the risk of heart disease and stroke are more than twice as high in people with diabetes. This is more common in people with type 2 diabetes. (www.webmd.com/diabetes/heart-blood-disease)
The association between diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults over 18 in Arizona are 2 to 4 times higher than those without diabetes. Two out of every three adults with diabetes will die from heart disease or stroke. The percentage of adults (18 and over) who had a heart attack, angina, and/or stroke, and also had diabetes is 25%. Approximately 22% had both coronary heart disease and diabetes, and about 8% reported having a stroke and diabetes. (www.azdhs.gov)
Insulin is the hormone that keeps the blood sugar at optimal levels in the blood after eating. It opens the cells to take in the glucose for energy. If there are too many carbohydrates or sugars in the blood, excess insulin is released into the blood to try and control the sugar. This leads to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. Therefore, glucose builds up in the blood, causing high blood sugar. This can be reversed.
The reason there is a higher incidence of heart disease in people with diabetes is because too much glucose in the blood causes the blood vessels to become “sticky.” The more glucose in the blood, the thicker the blood becomes and has a more difficult time moving through the body. This will cause high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause strokes, heart attacks and heart disease.
To combat the risk, it is very important to eat the right types of foods, such as the good carbohydrates which provide energy to all parts of the body. Good carbs are high in fiber and should be paired with protein and/or fats to slow absorption and keep blood sugar from spiking. For example, have an apple with all natural nut butter, or a chicken breast sandwich on whole grain bread with avocado mayonnaise, and berries with Greek yogurt. Also eat plenty of vegetables to provide nitric oxide to keep the blood running smooth.
If you keep your blood sugar and weight in check, there is a much lesser chance of developing heart disease.