E eart good
IT is now common knowledge that diabetes has risen through the ranks to one of the top killers of Malaysians.
Diabetes, a non-communicable disease that is destructive enough on its own, is known to affect major organs in the body – the kidneys and heart in particular.
Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death and disability among people with diabetes, according to International Diabetes Federation’s IDF Diabetes Atlas 2015.
The cardiovascular diseases that accompany diabetes include angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral artery disease and congestive heart failure.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood glucose and other risk factors can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Several preventative and self-management measures are effective for diabetes patients.
Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and being aware of symptoms the body exhibits when blood glucose levels are too high or too low can be monumental in controlling the disease.
Diabetes patients are also encouraged to get physically active to make it easier on their bodies to live with the disease.
One such event encouraging physical activity is IJN Ride 4 Your Heart by the National Heart Institute on Nov 26.
Participants can choose to go the distance with the 115km challenge or opt for the less gruelling 38km route. More information is available on the IJN website.
Due to Malaysia’s obesity rates as a result of sedentary lifestyles, physical activity and fitness could be the key to preventing type 2 diabetes and diabetesrelated heart disease.
For people only just getting off the couch to begin their fitness journey, low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking and cycling are advisable to minimise strain on joints and lower extremities.
Cycling in particular can present the most noticeable results in fitness levels if done over varied terrains and distances.
Long-distance cycling can do wonders for cardiovascular health and reduce the stress diabetes puts on the heart.