How Diabetes Slowly Damages The Heart

Most people think diabetes only affects blood sugar. But it can also slowly harm the heart. This damage builds up over time and can lead to serious problems if not treated early.

In this blog we will take a look at how diabetes slowly damages the heart

How Diabetes and Heart Problems Are Connected

People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting heart disease. In fact, they are almost twice as likely to face heart attacks or strokes compared to those without diabetes.

The reason is simple. High sugar levels in the blood can damage blood vessels. When this happens, the walls of the arteries become thick and hard. This makes it harder for blood to flow. The heart has to pump harder, which puts pressure on it and weakens it over time.

Blood Pressure and Fat Levels Also Play a Role

Diabetes often comes with other health problems like high blood pressure and high fat levels in the blood. These make things worse.

Too much fat in the blood can cause plaque to build up inside the arteries. This condition is called atherosclerosis. It blocks the flow of blood to the heart. This can cause chest pain, heart attacks, or even heart failure. Often, people do not feel anything until the problem becomes serious.

Nerve Problems Hide the Signs

Diabetes can also cause nerve damage. This is called diabetic neuropathy. If nerves are damaged, they may not send pain signals properly. So, someone could have a heart problem and not even feel chest pain.

Because of this, many heart issues go unnoticed until they become dangerous.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Heart

The good news is that you can take steps to lower the risk of heart damage. Here are some things you can do:

• keep your blood sugar level at the healthy range, check them often and follow your doctor’s advice. 
• Control your blood pressure and fat levels. These are major reasons why heart disease occurs in people with diabetes.
• Stay active. A simple 30-minute walk each day can help your heart stay strong.
• Eat healthy food. Go for  more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat and cut down on salt, sugar, and fried food.
• Lastly, Go for regular checkups. Even if you feel fine, tests can find problems early and it will be easy to prevent.

Diabetes may begin with sugar, but it doesn’t end there. While diabetes has serious long- term impacts on heart health, these can be overlooked . Proper care, awareness and lifestyle changes can help protect your heart for more healthier life. 

Sugam Hospital, a most trusted cardiology hospital in Chennai understands the close link between diabetes and heart health.  We work closely with patients to help them manage both, before complications develop.