Got diabetes?

Diabetes is not a single disease, but is more accurately described as a group of diseases in which high levels of blood glucose results...

Diabetes is not a single disease, but is more accurately described as a group of diseases in which high levels of blood glucose results from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. If it remains undiagnosed it results in hyperglycemia high blood sugar levels and is associated with several associated complications. Involvement of the heart and a very high risk of heart attacks is an important association.

India is often termed the diabetes capital of the world with an annual increase of 104 per cent per year. The number of patients at a conservative estimates is 55 million.

Diabetes and heart disease

Patients with diabetes face a high risk of heart disease especially a heart attack. Ten years8217; risk of getting a heart attack in a patient with uncomplicated diabetes is 20 per cent. Other problems often seen in diabetics are high blood pressure, kidney failure and brain strokes.

8220;Silent heart attack8221; is another peculiarity seen in diabetics. This is because of involvement of pain transmitting nerves due to uncontrolled diabetes. These people will not feel many sensations of touch, vibration, heat, cold or pain, and this may also include the expected pain of a heart attack.

The resulting vague 8212; instead of acute8212; symptoms may be ignored, or passed off as indigestion or stomach upset. Other reasons for diabetics being more prone for heart attacks are:

8226;High cholesterol and triglyceride levels

8226;High blood pressure

8226;Increased coagulablity of blood

Early diagnosis and learning how to monitor and control the disease are key to avoiding complications down the road. Some experts suggest that the course of this disease can be changed when patients:

8226;Adopt a good attitude

8226;Are committed to learning about their condition and its treatment

8226;Make a conscious decision to control the disease

Symptoms of heart disease

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The following are the most common symptoms of heart disease. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

8226;Chest discomfort

8226;Shortness of breath

8226;Very slow or fast pulse rate

8226;Episodes of unexplained unconsciousness

8226;Swollen feet

The symptoms of heart disease may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Preventing heart disease in diabetics

8226; Keep your blood sugar under control

Many diabetics check blood sugar level every day to make sure it is in the normal range. If not every day, a periodic assessment is necessary. By exercising often and eating a healthy diet, many people with Type 2 diabetes the kind you8217;re not born with can keep their blood sugar level nearly normal. Some may have to take medicines.

8226; Maintain proper weight

Diabetes, being overweight and heart disease often go together. Losing weight helps a lot of health problems 8212; including high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Weight loss is important if you have a lot of extra weight around your waist and tummy. People who have fat around their waist are more at risk for heart disease than people who have extra weight around the hips or thighs. You don8217;t have to lose a huge amount. Losing even 5 kgs can help.

8226; Lower your cholesterol level

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Cholesterol is present in fats and oils of animal origin, but it is not a fat. It is a part of many important body substances like hormones and body structures including brain and nerves. But too much bad cholesterol LDL in your blood can clog your arteries.

8226;Eat a heart healthy diet 4 to 5 servings of fruits and leafy vegetables daily

8226;Avoid high-fat diet full cream milk products, excessive red meat etc

8226;Regular intake of almonds and nuts 6 to 8 per day

If diet alone doesn8217;t help, there are medicines, for which you can consult a doctor.

8226; Regular exercise

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If you have changed your diet to lose weight, exercising can help you lose faster. You don8217;t need a gym.Brisk walking is good too. Climbing stairs instead of taking an elevator is another smart thing to do.

8226; Control your blood pressure

Diabetics have high blood pressure, which is a big risk factor for stroke. It also increases your risk for heart disease and kidney disease. t is also important not to drink too much alcohol. You need to keep their BP below 130/80 mms Hg at all costs. If diet and exercise does not help, you might have to take medicines.

8226; Quit smoking

Smoking is really bad for diabetics because it damages the blood vessels. It doubles your risk of heart disease. Worse, if you keep smoking while you try to lose extra weight, you won8217;t make any headway.

The author is Executive Director Cardiology Fortis Hospitals 038; Director Cardiology, Escorts Heart Research Institute