Balancing Diabetes With Cardiovascular Conditions: Strategies for Self-Care

Diabetes Is a Lifelong Condition

Diabetes, a lifelong condition that affects millions worldwide, requires careful management to maintain optimal health. However, individuals with diabetes often face the challenge of managing other conditions simultaneously. The complex interplay between diabetes and other health conditions necessitates a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to managing the conditions.

Careful coordination among healthcare professionals, customised treatment plans, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, medication management, lifestyle modifications, and education play a crucial role in effectively managing diabetes alongside other health conditions.

By prioritising self-care, individuals can lead fulfilling lives while effectively managing their multiple health needs. Let’s take a look at high blood pressure and heart disease, conditions that commonly affect individuals with diabetes, and how they can be managed.

Learning About High Blood Pressure and Heart Diseases

Diabetes, in the long-term, can affect almost all parts of our body. With the passage of time, elevated levels of glucose in the blood can cause harm to both blood vessels and the nerves responsible for regulating the heart. Therefore, managing your blood sugar levels well is absolutely essential. In addition, blood pressure and cholesterol also need to be managed to avoid health issues that can occur due to diabetes. High blood pressure and heart attack are usually at higher risk of occurring in individuals with diabetes.

1. High blood pressure

Doctors will advise you to have your blood pressure checked by a professional at least once a year if you have diabetes. Blood pressure refers to the strength with which blood pushes against the walls of arteries. When the heart beats, it propels blood into the arteries, leading to the highest blood pressure during contraction.

Maintaining a healthy blood pressure range is crucial to minimising the risk of developing further health complications as simultaneously having both diabetes and high blood pressure increases the risk of heart and kidney diseases.

Lifestyle changes alone may not suffice to control high blood pressure, as many people may require medications. Common blood pressure medications include beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-2 receptor blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers. For more information on these medications, consult your healthcare team.

2. Heart Diseases

Individuals with diabetes are prone to multiple health complications, with cardiovascular disease being particularly prevalent. Individuals with diabetes have a 2 to 4 times higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease compared to healthy individuals. A majority of people with type 2 diabetes will eventually develop cardiovascular disease, making it a common occurrence. This increased risk gives proof of why cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in individuals with diabetes.

Prolonged high blood sugar levels, even slightly elevated, can damage blood vessels, leading to serious heart complications. Excess sugar sticks to red blood cells, building up in the bloodstream and blocking crucial vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients. To protect your heart, aim to maintain your target HbA1c level (a measure of blood sugar) closely. Even mildly raised blood sugar levels over time increase the risk of complications.

Managing Diabetes If You Have Other Conditions

Having diabetes does not mean you have to live in constant fear. Proper management and regular testing of blood sugar levels along with checking other parameters like blood pressure and cholesterol levels can be helpful in improving the quality of life.

Let’s take a look at the ABCs that will help you manage your diabetes in the long run. These include:

1. A- A1C test

The A1C test provides an average measure of your blood glucose level over the past 3 months. For many individuals with diabetes, the target A1C goal is below 7%. You should consult a specialist such as a diabetologist to discuss your A1C test results. 1

2. B- Blood Pressure

A routine check for blood pressure measurement is mandatory. For individuals with diabetes, the recommended blood pressure targets are generally below 140/90 mm Hg and below 150/90 mmHg for those aged 80 years or above. However, for individuals with coexisting kidney disease, the target may be lower, below 130/80 mm Hg. It is important to consult your healthcare team to determine your specific target. 3

3. C- Cholesterol

Your blood contains two types of cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol). Too much LDL cholesterol can lead to blockages in your blood vessels, increasing the risks of heart attack or stroke. 1

HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, helps eliminate the "bad" cholesterol from your blood vessels. It is important to consult your healthcare team to determine the appropriate cholesterol levels for you. If you are over 40 years old, your doctor may recommend taking medications to promote heart health.

Along with this, proper lifestyle modifications, following your prescribed medication schedule, and dietary changes are usually recommended by doctors for improving your quality of life.

You Can Juggle Everything!

Effectively managing heart issues and high blood pressure is crucial for individuals with diabetes. By closely monitoring cholesterol levels, maintaining a healthy blood pressure range, and taking your prescribed medications, the risk of cardiovascular complications can be significantly reduced. Adopting a well-rounded approach that includes lifestyle modifications, regular check-ups, and close collaboration with healthcare professionals is key to promoting heart health and ensuring a better quality of life for those living with diabetes.