Why Diabetes Puts You at Greater Risk of Heart Disease

Learn why diabetes makes you more prone to heart disease, heart attack, and stroke

Did you know that people with type 2 diabetes are two to four times more likely to die of heart disease or stroke than adults without diabetes?

Even in the absence of other heart disease risk factors (such as high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, or a family history), people with diabetes are much more likely to suffer cardiovascular-related events than people without diabetes.

What Causes the Increased Risk?

It all comes back to blood sugar.

The most common type of heart disease, coronary artery disease, is primarily a disease of the blood vessels. It develops through a process called atherosclerosis, in which the artery walls become narrowed and hardened with buildups of cholesterol and cellular debris. This restricts blood flow and impairs circulation.

When blood flow to the heart is severely restricted, angina (chest pain caused by insufficient oxygen to the heart muscle) may result. Blood clots are also more likely to become lodged in narrowed arteries, causing heart attacks or, if the vessel leads to the brain, a stroke.

Type 2 diabetes accelerates and intensifies atherosclerosis because high blood sugar levels cause additional damage to arterial walls and make the blood thick and sticky. This further impairs circulation and places an extra burden on the heart.

If you have type 2 diabetes, leading a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential. Failing to do so significantly increases your risk not only for this diabetes complication, but also for a host of others that are closely related to circulation.

More Dr. Whitaker Advice on Diabetes Complications

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• The best approach for treating diabetes-related heart disease naturally
• Noninvasive clinical therapies for treating diabetes-related heart disease