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When most people think about diabetes, they picture insulin injections and blood sugar spikes, but they don’t always consider its relationship to heart disease. High blood sugar affects the pancreas, but it can also damage arteries and raise blood pressure. Capital Cardiology Associates is here to help. Small, consistent changes can make a difference in lowering cardiovascular risks. Read more to find out how controlling blood sugar supports your heart health and what you can do to stay protected.
Diabetes and heart disease frequently go hand in hand. High blood sugar can lead to damage in blood vessels, which increases the risk of conditions like heart failure, high blood pressure, and stroke. Uncontrolled diabetes contributes to the hardening of arteries and makes it harder for blood to flow through your body. Insulin resistance also affects cholesterol levels. It lowers good HDL cholesterol and raises LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. A heart doctor will often emphasize the importance of managing blood sugar and cardiovascular risk factors together. If you have diabetes, then your heart health is already at risk, so staying on top of blood sugar levels will help reduce long-term complications.
When your blood sugar stays high for too long, it can damage the inner lining of blood vessels. This makes arteries less flexible, which forces the heart to work hard to keep pumping blood. Eventually, the strain can cause high blood pressure. High glucose levels also trigger chronic inflammation, which can increase plaque buildup inside arteries. As plaque accumulates, it can narrow the arteries and restrict the flow of blood. The sooner blood sugar is controlled, then the less damage occurs. Routine monitoring and working with a cardiologist will help you avoid long-term complications before they start.
Diet and exercise are important for reducing your cardiovascular risks, and small changes can actually have a real impact. Leafy greens like kale and spinach have fiber and nutrients, and won’t spike your blood sugar. Fatty fish like mackerel or salmon have omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and lower heart disease risk. Nuts and seeds are another reliable source of healthy fats that support heart health without boosting blood sugar. Whole grains like quinoa or brown rice will give you steady energy and improve cholesterol levels. Berries have a lot of fiber and antioxidants, so they're a great choice for a slightly sweet treat. Daily movement will also improve insulin sensitivity while strengthening your heart. Walking briskly for just 30 minutes a day can help tremendously. You can also add strength training a few times a week because building muscle will help your body use glucose more effectively. If you have joint pain, then try swimming or other low-impact activities that will give you cardiovascular benefits without the extra strain.
If you have diabetes, see a heart doctor for routine screenings to catch problems early before they become life-threatening. Some important tests for diabetics include:
Heart disease and diabetes are a dangerous combination, but Capitol Cardiology Associates is here to help you reduce your risks. We will help you monitor important health markers so you can avoid complications. If you’re ready to be proactive, then reach out to our team today and schedule your appointment.
