How to Protect Your Heart if You Have Diabetes

Did you know that diabetes contributes significantly to the development of cardiovascular disease? People living with diabetes are at risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke 15 years earlier than those without diabetes! That may be a shocking statistic to some, but it's true.

High blood glucose (sugar) is one risk factor for heart disease. Others include being overweight, inactivity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. People who smoke or have a family history of heart disease or stroke are at even higher risk.

The good news is that people living with diabetes can lower their risk of heart disease and stroke considerably by paying careful attention to all their risk factors. Working with your health care team to achieve the following targets is the key to good diabetes management.