From an interview with
Dr. Susan Robins
Site Director and Associate Program Director, McLeod Family Medicine Rural Residency Program

Did you know that people with diabetes tend to develop heart disease at a younger age than people without diabetes? McLeod family physician Dr. Susan Robins explains why high blood glucose from diabetes makes the heart work harder than it should and increases your risk for heart disease.

“With Type 2 diabetes, the body does not make or use insulin well,” says Dr. Robins. “This causes excess blood sugar – or glucose – in the bloodstream. What’s frustrating is that many people don’t experience symptoms, so they don’t know they have it.

Over time, if left untreated, diabetes can cause health conditions like heart disease and stroke. High blood glucose can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control your heart, and over time, this damage can lead to heart disease.

There are many risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, so you should have your blood sugar tested annually during your wellness physical. Meanwhile, if you are having any diabetic symptoms, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, or blurred vision, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician for a simple A1C test, which shows your average blood glucose level over the past three months.”

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with healthy lifestyle changes, including:

• Controlling your blood pressure. High blood pressure is common among people with diabetes, making the heart work harder than it should. Weight loss and exercise are helpful in controlling blood pressure, but medication may also be necessary.
• Eating foods low in fat, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars, which will help you stay at or get to a healthy body weight. Also, make physical activity a part of your daily routine, and get enough sleep.
• Stopping smoking. It is a dangerous habit for people with diabetes due to the damage it causes the blood vessels. Those with diabetes who smoke also double the risk for heart disease.

To learn more about diabetes and its relationship to heart disease, speak with a primary care physician near you.