Quite often diabetes and heart issues go hand in hand, because much of what causes diabetes also affects our heart health. The good folks at WebMD put this list together to help you get an idea of things you can manage that will help to keep you heart safe. The list is not a cure-all, but rather a collection of guidelines and talking points to discuss with your medical team.
How to Care for Your Heart With Diabetes
Medically
Reviewed by Carol
DerSarkissian, MD on March 19, 2024
Diabetes and Your Heart
If you have type 2 diabetes, show your heart some extra
love. High blood sugar damages your nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to
heart failure and heart attack, among other health problems. But taking the
right steps to manage diabetes and keep your heart healthy can make a big
difference. Control your blood sugar and manage other risk factors to protect
your heart. Smart lifestyle and diet changes can help you do both.
Control Blood Pressure
People with type 2 diabetes often have other conditions that
make heart problems more likely. High blood pressure is one of them. This means
your blood moves through your vessels with too much force and your heart works
too hard. Keep track of your blood pressure with a home monitor so you know if
it’s trending too high. Typical goals for people with type 2 diabetes are to
keep readings under 140/90 or 130/80. Ask your doctor what’s right for you.
Count Cholesterol
Type 2 often means you have too much of the bad kind of
cholesterol, or LDL, especially a small, dense kind. You also have low levels
of good cholesterol (HDL) and too many triglycerides. High cholesterol can clog
your arteries, cause inflammation, and lead to a heart disease. Total
cholesterol over 200 mg/dL is too high. Your doctor may suggest medicine to
treat high cholesterol and triglycerides, but healthy habits, like a proper
diet and exercise, are essential, too.
Move More
Exercise does wonders for your heart health and your
diabetes. It helps lower blood pressure, keeps cholesterol levels in check, and
controls blood sugar. For most people, a good goal is 30 minutes a day of
moderate activity -- like walking -- 5 days a week. But if you’re new to
exercise, check with your doctor on how to start. Activity can make your blood
sugar go too low, especially if you take insulin or another diabetes medicine.
Learn the signs of hypoglycemia and what to do if it happens.
Eat Heart Smart
A healthy diet helps lower inflammation, manage blood sugar,
protects your heart and blood vessels, and can help you lose weight. Some
eating plans, like the DASH and Mediterranean diets, are smart ways to manage
diabetes and help your heart. They include:
- Lean proteins like fish and skinless chicken
- Fresh fruit and veggies, especially non-starchy ones like leafy greens
- Beans, legumes, nuts
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats like olive oil
- Low-fat dairy
Of course, avoid sugary drinks and sweets most of the time.
Limit fast food.
Shake Off Salt
Salt makes your body hang on to extra water. This raises
blood pressure and strains your blood vessels, heart, and other organs. Most of
the sodium we eat doesn’t come from the saltshaker. More than 70% is “hidden”
in restaurant or processed foods like cold cuts, pizza, and even bread. Check
labels. Choose foods with less than 400 milligrams of sodium per serving.
Watch Your Weight
If your weight is normal, keep it that way. If you’re
carrying extra pounds, losing them will help your heart -- especially if you
carry them around your belly. Weight loss may improve your cholesterol and
triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and your diabetes. Your doctor or diabetes
educator will help set your personal goal. Usually, losing even 5% to 10% of
your body weight is a good goal. For a 200-pound person, that means 10 to 20
pounds.
Be a Quitter
Diabetes and nicotine are a dangerous duo -- they both
damage and narrow blood vessels. So it’s important to try to quit smoking. The
best way is to know ahead of time how you’ll deal with nicotine cravings. There
are a lot of tools and resources that can help you make a plan, and you may
have to try a few methods before you find one that works. Just don’t give up!
Ask your doctor for help.
(Chef Michael's note - If interested, have a look at my book that is a free read:
Don't Quit Smoking Alone! - Help & Encouragement from the Trenches of an Online Support Group)
Back Off Booze
Too much alcohol can cause big spikes in blood pressure,
damage to your heart muscle, and irregular heartbeats. If you drink, do so in
moderation. That means no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women.
Generally, one drink is 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of
80-proof liquor, or 1 ounce of 100-proof liquor.
Ask About Aspirin
Aspirin can prevent heart problems. Doctors often suggest it
for people with type 2 diabetes who have had a heart attack or stroke to stave
off future heart issues. It may also help if you have peripheral artery
disease, a problem that narrows arteries and cuts blood flow to your arms and
legs. Ask before you start aspirin therapy. It can be dangerous if you’re prone
to bleeding problems.
Sleep Soundly
Quality sleep is another key to good heart health. When you
don’t get enough, you raise your risk for heart disease, as well as other
conditions that can hurt your heart, like high blood pressure and obesity. Aim
for at least 7 hours of shut-eye a night. Managing your diabetes can help you
get good sleep. When the condition is out of control, symptoms could wake you
up during the night.
Stomp Out Stress
High blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and other
heart problems have been linked to uncontrolled stress. Plus, many people lean
on unhealthy habits when they’re under pressure, like drinking, smoking, or
overeating. Instead, try meditation, deep breathing, or another relaxation tool
to beat stress in a healthy way.
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Have a great week, everyone, and thank you for your support!
Blessed be… and happy cooking!
Chef Michael R