High blood pressure: Diabetes is not limited to just controlling blood sugar. Rather, it affects your entire body, especially the heart and blood vessels. Many people do not know that high sugar levels for a long time cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels. Which is very important to keep the heart and brain healthy. This is the reason why the risk of heart attack and stroke in diabetic patients is many times higher than that of normal people. The good thing is that by taking proper care and small changes in lifestyle, this risk can be reduced to a great extent. Let us tell you about it.

Effect on heart and blood vessels

With the help of insulin, our body converts the sugar i.e. glucose obtained from food into energy. In diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or is not able to use it properly. Due to this, blood sugar increases and gradually starts damaging the inner walls of the veins. The arteries become hard or narrow. Fatty deposits i.e. plaque start accumulating. Blood flow stops due to which blood pressure increases and the heart has to work harder. This can cause heart attack or stroke. Conditions like obesity, high cholesterol and kidney problems are also often found in diabetic patients. Which puts extra burden on the heart.

Due to which the risk increases

According to research published in NIH, the risk of heart diseases increases in diabetic patients due to many reasons. High blood pressure puts constant pressure on the blood vessels. High cholesterol or triglycerides deposit plaque in the arteries. Obesity increases the burden on the heart, especially around the stomach. Smoking damages nerves and reduces oxygen in the blood. Sitting i.e. less activity spoils both heart strength and sugar control. And if any close relative in the family has had heart disease, then this risk becomes even higher.

How to protect heart

If you keep blood sugar under control, it prevents damage to nerves and veins. Regular testing of blood pressure and cholesterol and treatment as per doctor’s advice reduces pressure on the heart and prevents stroke. It is very important to pay attention to diet. Consuming fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins like fish, pulses and beans and healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and seeds is beneficial. One should avoid salt, sugar and processed food. Gradually even small changes in diet can make a big difference for the heart.

Activities like brisk walking, swimming, cycling or dancing for at least 30 minutes daily strengthen both blood sugar and heart. Keeping weight under control, especially reducing belly fat, has a good effect on both blood pressure and cholesterol. It is very important to quit smoking because it makes the arteries narrow and hard. Benefits start appearing immediately after quitting smoking and blood circulation improves within a few weeks. Stress and poor sleep worsen both blood sugar and blood pressure. In such a situation, meditation, yoga, deep breathing or walking outside can be helpful. If the doctor has given medicines for diabetes, blood pressure or cholesterol, then never leave them. Because many medicines directly protect the heart.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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