How To

How to Minimize Cardiovascular Disease for Diabetics

Contributor
By Mandy Vemulapalli
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Over 200 million people worldwide are afflicted with diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, two out of three diabetics will die from cardiovascular disease/strokes. Minimizing the risk of cardiovascular disease should therefore be a major priority for all diabetics.

From Quick Guide: Diabetes
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Make exercising a priority. Getting 20 to 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise at least three to four times per week greatly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Exercise is also a good way for diabetics to control their blood-sugar levels.

  2. Step 2

    Use an EECP machine once or twice a week. This has also been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure, reducing blood-sugar levels and lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. EECP stands for Electronic Enhanced Counter-Pulsation. This machine is widely used by cardiologists as a treatment for heart disease. It uses cuffs on the upper thighs (similar to blood pressure cuffs). These cuffs constrict in counter-rhythm to the patient's heartbeat. An EKG machine is used to measure the patient's heart rate during treatment, so the EECP machine can constrict in exact counter-rhythm to the patient's resting phase.

  3. Step 3

    Follow a diet that is high in fiber and low in carbohydrates and saturated fats. This is an important step in managing diabetes and preventing cardiovascular complications.

  4. Step 4

    Take herbal supplements for diabetics that are designed to help repair cardiovascular damage. Supplements that do more than lower blood sugar are recommended. Powerful anti-oxidants help fight inflammation and support vascular health, so supplements with anti-oxidants are the best at fighting cardiovascular disease.

  5. Step 5

    Manage stress levels by engaging in activities you enjoy at least once a day.

Tips & Warnings
  • If you feel you are at a high risk for cardiovascular disease, please consult a cardiologist.

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