Last Updated:
Diabetes not only affects blood sugar levels but also damages cardiovascular health. High glucose levels can harm blood vessels and nerves controlling the heart.
Elevated glucose levels harm blood vessels and heart nerves.
Diabetes doesn’t just affect blood sugar. It quietly erodes cardiovascular health as well. Elevated glucose levels damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart failure. Studies show that people with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop heart-related conditions compared to non-diabetics. This makes awareness and early prevention critical in managing long-term health outcomes.
Diabetes As A Contributor To Cardiovascular Complications
Recommended Stories
“Chronically elevated blood sugar levels increase the risk of heart failure, stroke, and coronary artery disease by harming blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart,” explains Dr. (Prof) D. S. Gambhir, Group Director, Cardiology, Kailash Hospital, Noida. He adds that overlapping risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and physical inactivity only worsen the equation. “When combined, these elements heighten the heart’s workload and hasten vascular damage,” he explains.
A Closer Look at the Diabetic Heart
The risks aren’t just theoretical. They show up in real-world diagnostics. “Heart problems are more common in diabetic patients, with diabetes being the second leading cause of heart disease after smoking,” says Dr. Vikash Goyal, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Paras Health, Gurugram. He highlights how LDL cholesterol changes character in people with diabetes. He says, “LDL can become small and dense, making it easier to deposit in blood vessels and increasing the risk of blockages.”
Clinical observations support this. “Many diabetic patients undergoing angiography are found to have triple-vessel disease and narrow-calibre blood vessels. Due to diabetic neuropathy, patients may not experience typical chest pain. Instead, they often present with symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or excessive sweating,” Dr. Goyal notes.
Preventive Steps Matter
While the risks are high, proactive care can dramatically change outcomes. Dr. Gambhir emphasises lifestyle management as a means of protection: “A balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and low in processed sugars and harmful fats, should be followed in addition to routine blood sugar checks.”
He recommends cutting down on alcohol, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and incorporating at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity. “Stress reduction, adequate sleep, and regular checkups guarantee early identification and timely treatment,” he adds.
Dr. Goyal agrees that prevention is as important as treatment. “Regular monitoring is crucial. Effectively controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Early detection, lifestyle management, and routine check-ups are key.”
Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are deeply intertwined, but the link doesn’t have to be a fatal one. With vigilance, healthy living, and timely medical care, people with diabetes can not only manage their condition but also protect their hearts from future damage.
Delhi, India, India
September 29, 2025, 18:12 IST
Loading comments…
Go to Source
Author: News18
