Diabetes doesn’t have to lead to heart disease

Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean that you’re a lock to develop cardiovascular disease. Simply follow the ABCs of CVD prevention to keep a healthy heart.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you’re more likely to develop heart disease (also called cardiovascular disease, or CVD). Now, a recent study reports that not only are you more prone to CVD but you’ll also develop it eight years sooner than people without diabetes. It’s also more likely that you’ll lose seven to eight years from your lifespan. However, even if you have diabetes, you can prevent CVD.

Factors promoting CVD
The researchers looked at data from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), which began 60 years ago in Framing¬ham, Mass. Doctors wanted to find out who would develop CVD and what factors—such as diet, family history, and other medical problems—would promote CVD.

This most recent study looked at men and women from the FHS who were older than 50 years (only some of them had diabetes.) Their findings: Men and women with diabetes were more than twice as likely to develop CVD as persons without diabetes. Women with diabetes and CVD were also twice as likely to die younger than women without either condition. Men with diabetes had almost twice the risk of dying younger if they had CVD.

You can prevent CVD
These findings can be alarming—but not if you know about how to prevent CVD. According to Oscar Franco, MD, lead author of the study, just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean that you’ll develop CVD. To help you stay heart healthy, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has a program called “Make the Link!” that stresses following the ABCs of CVD prevention. (Check with your doctor to make sure that these recommendations are right for you.)
A is for A1C—this is your average blood glucose for the past two to three months. The ADA recommends an A1C below 7%.
B is for blood pressure—the higher your blood pressure, the harder your heart has to work. The ADA’s recommendation is for blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg.
C is for cholesterol—cholesterol refers to the amount of fat in your blood. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides block blood vessels and lead to heart disease. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is “good” cholesterol and protects your heart. See the table for the ADA’s suggested targets for different kinds of cholesterol.

And, the universal advice—stop smoking. Ask your doctor about medications and support programs to help you quit.

Control your ABCs
Exercise is important—it’s no exaggeration to say that every movement or step you take will help take off and keep off pounds. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, lean meats, and foods that are high in fiber are good for maintaining healthy A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Even better, these weight and diet recommendations are good for everyone in your family. Finally, take the medications prescribed by your doctor. Paying attention to the ABCs of heart disease will help you control your diabetes and protect your heart.