Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Diabetes and Heart Disease Nuggets

Individuals who do not have diabetes are at a much lesser risk of developing heart attacks and stroke than people who do not have diabetes. In the adult population those with diabetes are are 2 to 4 times at greater risk of heart disease or stroke than people without diabetes. It is therefore of paramount importance for a person suffering from diabetes to reduce their risk of heart and blood vessel disease simply by knowing the ABCs of diabetes. Blood vessel disease when left to develop will lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure further damages blood vessels.


A stands for A1C


This is a test designed to take the level of blood glucose control in the last three months. The slightest drop in A1C measurements is so important it reduces the risks of heart disease. A1C is particularly used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It measures what percentage of hemoglobin is coated with sugar. there are specific ways to cause change to you A1C and this includes change in diet, medicines and exercise routine.


B stands for blood pressure


Diabetes control also encompasses testing your blood pressure. This refers to both your systolic and diastolic numbers and your heart rate. Blood pressure is the force with which blood flowing in the blood vessels hits against the walls of the blood vessels. It is influenced by the volume of the flowing blood and the level of constriction of artery walls or blood vessel walls. A blood pressure of 120/80mmHg is considered normal and ideal.


C stands for cholesterol


In dealing with diabetes your cholesterol levels are of very important. Both LDL and triglycerides are checked. People with diabetes possibly also have more cholesterol abnormalities. This is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Doctors note that managing your LDL cholesterol in particular, reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease and death. it is believed that lowering LDL cholesterol reduces cardiovascular complications by up to 50 percent. This is very significant and must be pursued.


How diabetes affects cholesterol


Diabetes particularly raises the risk of heart disease and stroke by deliberately lowering what can be termed good cholesterol levels and raising bad cholesterol levels. This is a common occurrence in diabetic patients and is medically known as diabetic dyslipidemia. It basically means your lipid profile is going in a wrong direction putting the sufferer at great risk of early coronary heart disease. Reduce your cholesterol for better results.


 

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