How Does Diabetes Effect the Heart?

The Results of High Sugar

Type 1 diabetics do not produce insulin. The body needs insulin to move the glucose or sugar into the cells, so the body can produce energy. Type 2 diabetics do not have enough insulin to move the sugar into the cells or their body does not use the insulin correctly. The result is high levels of glucose or sugar in the blood. Too much blood sugar or glucose can damage blood vessel walls. The damage makes it easier for fatty deposits or plaques to form on the inside of the walls. The fatty deposits cause narrowing and blockage. If there is a narrowing or blockage, the blood cannot flow to the heart, resulting in a heart attack.

Silent Heart Attack

Silent Ischemia or silent heart attack may occur in diabetics who do not manage their disease. Because some diabetics do not take care of themselves, nerve damage or neuropathy results. The diabetic eventually does not sense touch, heat, cold or pain. A common result of neuropathy is a tingling or burning sensation in the feet. However, the nerve damage can be in other areas besides the body's extremities. The diabetic is unaware of symptoms that could lead to a heart attack. What seems to be indigestion or stomach upset is actually symptoms of a heart attack. Because the nerve endings in the body are damaged, the diabetic does not feel the same pain as others. The result is a silent heart attack or a heart attack with little pain.

Statistics

"People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have a heart attack than someone without the disease," according to the Mayo Clinic. Cardiovascular diseases account for 65 percent of diabetic related illnesses that lead to death. Diabetics, who have heart attacks, are more likely to die. These facts from the Mayo Clinic are difficult for the diabetic to hear. However, having diabetes does not mean that you will have a heart attack. It does mean that you must take care of your body to prevent a heart attack. You need to keep your blood pressure below 130 over 80 and keep your bad cholesterol below 100. You need to eat a balanced diet, exercise every day, self-monitor the disease, and visit the doctor. If you keep your blood sugar under control and let your doctor monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol, you are more likely to avoid heart disease.

Resources

• Your Family's Health
• Mayo Clinic