Guidelines for a healthy heart while managing Diabetes.

Being Diabetic means that you’re at a greater risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Not many people know this: heart disease is one of the most common causes of death amongst Diabetic people. With careful management of your blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol, you’re sure to have a good heart and a healthy life.

Good heart health is essential for living a healthy life, and even more important when you’re living with Diabetes.

What are some rules to live by when it comes to taking care of your heart while managing your Diabetes? Here are a few:

Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease, especially when you’re living with Diabetes. This is because being overweight puts a strain on your body in all sorts of ways and puts you at higher risk of heart disease. Two of the best ways to lose weight is through exercise and a healthy diet. A healthy diet is also important for controlling your blood sugar levels so concentrate on making good food choices. Speak to your doctor or dietician about your diet, specifically for your weight loss, and about any exercise you plan to add to your lifestyle.

Become more physically active

Exercise can help reduce blood sugar, blood cholesterol and blood pressure, helping you to keep your heart health in check. Regular exercise also helps you lose weight and stay mentally fit. Both physical and mental stress can send your blood sugar out of whack. If you haven’t been exercising or struggle to, start by taking walks or exercising a few days a week. Speak to your doctor about the kind of physical activities that will be good for you. Apart from physical exercise, consider taking up a hobby. Do something that will help you stay mentally fit and also help you de-stress.

Quit smoking

Just like Diabetes, tobacco narrows your blood vessels, restricting the blood flow and the oxygen and nutrients your body cells need. The combination of having Diabetes and using tobacco can cause serious damage to your blood vessels. Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your heart. Quitting can be hard so you might need the support of those around you and perhaps even your doctor. It is important that you do quit.

Keep your blood pressure under control

High blood pressure increases your risk of a stroke. Make sure you get your blood pressure tested at least twice a year. Speak to your doctor for advice or medication that will help lower your blood pressure if you need to.

Keep your cholesterol under control

Your risk for heart disease increases when you have a high level of blood fats, including cholesterol. It’s important to know your blood fat levels. In someone living with Diabetes, the target levels of so-called bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) should actually be lower than in someone without Diabetes (under 100). Your level of so-called good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) should be more than 40, if you’re a man, and more than 50 if you’re a woman. Speak to your dietician about a meal plan to keep your cholesterol in control.

Keep your blood glucose in check

Monitor your blood glucose regularly and take the right actions, medication or meals depending on your blood glucose checks. High blood glucose levels can lead to other Diabetic complications. It’s important that you understand and regularly monitor your blood glucose levels.

Speak to your doctor about your A1C. A Haemoglobin A1C blood test is a test performed by your doctor or healthcare provider. This test shows you how well your blood glucose has been controlled over a period of time (two months or so). Know your target A1C. If it’s too high, speak to your doctor for help with a treatment plan.

Related articles