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A 2010 study suggests cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of death in 70% of patients with type 2 diabetes
World Diabetes Day is celebrated annually on November 14 with the aim of raising public awareness of how to prevent, treat and manage this chronic condition globally. The recent Lancet Commission of Diabetes report reveals that there are currently 463 million people worldwide suffering from diabetes. Most of this huge number of diabetic patients (around 80% according to the report) come from low- and middle-income nations such as India.
According to data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, 72 million people in India suffer from diabetes – numbers that will most likely have increased by 2020 – and it is estimated that around 98 million people in the country will suffer from diabetes. by 2030 This increase in the prevalence of diabetes is worrying because this disease, like all other chronic diseases, can lead to serious and debilitating complications.
Diabetes and cardiovascular disease
The risk of damage to major organs and organ systems is quite high if you have diabetes. In fact, a 2010 study published in Diabetes care suggests that cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of death in 70% of patients with type 2 diabetes. The study goes on to suggest that if diabetes weight is not controlled in time, it can lead to an epidemic of diabetes-related cardiovascular disease .
Therefore, it is imperative that diabetic patients control their disease with the correct guidance of a doctor. Equally important is keeping an eye out for symptoms like constant shortness of breath, fatigue and lethargy, uncontrollable blood glucose levels, and swelling in the ankles, legs and abdomen. Such symptoms are associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease, and if they occur, seek immediate medical attention.
How to better manage diabetes
Here are some small steps to manage diabetes and keep your heart healthy:
1. Know your disease
It is of the utmost importance to understand your disease, what are the common symptoms and the risk factors involved. Therefore, it is advisable to ask the doctor a series of questions, which will help you make an informed decision and accordingly follow the precautionary measures. The right guidance from your doctor and comprehensive information about diabetes and your individual needs, along with timely medication, can help you better manage your diabetes and avoid damage to your heart.
2. Physical activity is vital
It is a known fact that there is no diabetes management without physical activity. Exercise is said to be beneficial for the whole body but especially for the heart muscles. Not only does it regulate blood flow and body weight, it also helps control blood pressure. Patients may include light exercise, meditation, and moderate brisk walking in their routine, depending on individual tolerance. However, patients are advised to consult with their physician before starting any exercise routine, to make sure it is safe for their health.
3. Maintain a healthy diet
A healthy diet is extremely important in managing most diseases. Diabetic patients are advised to eat small meals at frequent intervals for better digestion. This also helps to keep your body and heart healthy, avoiding excessive strain on them. The following are some foods that should be included in your diet:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially non-starchy ones such as green leafy vegetables
- Unsaturated fats of fish, cereals and vegetable oils
- Low-fat dairy products
Finally, eliminate sugary drinks, sodium, trans and saturated fats and limit junk food.
4. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
Diabetic and heart disease patients should avoid smoking as it may damage blood vessels and further weaken the heart muscle. Alcohol intake should also be avoided as it causes further deterioration of heart function, especially in the left ventricle.
5. Reduce your salt intake
Patients are also asked to consume less salt (less than 3g per day) as not only does it increase blood pressure, but the sodium in the salt causes the body to retain water. Higher blood pressure levels can lead to diabetes complications and damage the heart. To control salt intake, you can add a minimal amount of salt to your home cooked food and replace it with spices and herbs to keep the food flavorful.
This article was written by Dr. Sundeep Mishra, Professor of Cardiology, AIIMS.
For more information, read our diabetes article.
Health articles on Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, India’s first and largest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to provide you with information on everything related to health.
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