Diabetes mellitus, or simply diabetes, is a long-term metabolic disorder where the body is unable to either produce or effectively use insulin to convert glucose into fuel for energy.
Learn more about the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes by clicking here.
People who have diabetes have high levels of glucose in their blood which can, over time, damage blood vessels and lead to plaque forming inside of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This then significantly increases your chances of developing heart disease or suffering a stroke which is also significantly amplified if you’re overweight, a smoker or have high blood pressure.
The good news is that it’s never too late to change your life around.
Here are a few things you can do to lower your chances of developing heart disease if you have diabetes:
1. Regularly take your medication to control your blood sugar levels.
2. Maintain a healthy diet low in sugars and refined carbs.
3. Be more physically active through regular exercise, even if it’s just a 30-minute daily walk.
4. Learn to effectively manage your stress.
5. Go for regular doctor checkups and keep your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers in check.
6. Stop smoking!
7. Limit your alcohol consumption.
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Source; www.webmd.com, www.health24.com. www.heartfoundation.co.za, www.niddk.nih.gov,
