2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 03:30
February is heart month. A perfect opportunity to become aware of the importance of our cardiovascular he alth in order to live a long and he althy life surrounded by those we love. But what is the link with diabetes?
The risks of type 2 diabetes for the heart
Type 2 diabetes affects adults more, but sometimes affects children as well. It is closely linked to being overweight and to genetic and environmental factors.
The impact of diabetes on he alth is not limited to blood sugar levels. For many Canadians living with type 2 diabetes, the risk of death from heart disease at an early age is great and worth taking seriously. Research has shown that heart disease can occur 10 to 15 years earlier in diabetics than in he althy people. According to Diabetes Canada, people with diabetes are up to three times more likely to be hospitalized due to heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Canadians with type 2 diabetes.
Did you know?
94% of respondents in the frameworkfrom a study conducted by Mon cœur ma vie in 2018 felt that they had mastered the management of their disease. Yet research shows that 56% of Canadians with diabetes do not know or believe that diabetes can lead to cardiovascular complications such as heart attacks, heart failure or strokes. Spread the word!
Fortunately, thanks to recent research and breakthroughs in treatments, we can now reduce the number of unnecessary deaths related to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Your doctor can tell you about the medications available to reduce your risk, saving you valuable time doing what you love with those you love.
10 tips to take control of your heart he alth:
- Control your blood sugar and keep your A1c level around 7% or less.
- Keep your blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg.
- Keep your LDL cholesterol below 2.0 mmol/L.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a he althy diet to maintain a he althy weight.
- Talk to your doctor about options to help reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Quit smoking.
- Manage your stress effectively.
- Ask your doctor for regular screening tests for possible complications ofheart, feet and kidneys.
- Visit www.moncoeurmavie.cafor more information and to assess your risk of heart disease.
myheartmylife.com, heartandstroke.ca, diabetes.ca, Environics Research Group. “My Heart Matters Survey”: Online survey conducted among 1, 500 Canadians over 18 years of age was completed online between April 13 and May 4, 2018. Slide 5. Table S9 (row 293) in 2018.
