When we think of diabetes, we frequently think of blood sugar levels and insulin. While these are important parts of diabetes management, there is another important link that sometimes goes overlooked – the link between diabetes and heart health. Understanding this link is more important than ever in Malaysia, where diabetes is on the rise.
Diabetes Is a Major Risk Factor for Heart Disease
Did you know that people with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease? It’s a striking statistic that underscores the close connection between these two illnesses. The causes are many, but they boil down to the effect of high blood sugar levels on your blood vessels, as well as the function of other risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.
The Silent Threat of Atherosclerosis
Uncontrolled diabetes is the leading cause of atherosclerosis, a condition in which your blood arteries get blocked with fatty deposits. This deposit narrows the arteries, making blood flow and oxygen delivery to your heart and other organs more difficult. Atherosclerosis, if left untreated, can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
The Perfect Storm: Hypertension and High Cholesterol
Diabetes is not the only issue in Malaysia. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are also frequent. Combining this with diabetes produces a perfect storm for heart disease. Diabetes exacerbates blood vessel damage caused by high blood pressure. Meanwhile, diabetes frequently causes an imbalance in cholesterol levels, which raises the risk of heart disease even further.
Prevention is essential.
The good news is that you can dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease while controlling diabetes by increasing your knowledge and making suitable lifestyle adjustments. Malaysians must understand that prevention is both possible and necessary.
Regularly Check Your Blood Sugar Levels: Check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis and work with healthcare professionals at clinics like Awam Clinic to keep them within a healthy range.
Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Choose a diet that is high in whole grains, lean meats, and heart-healthy fats. Reduce your consumption of processed and high-sugar foods.
Maintain an Active Lifestyle: Regular physical activity not only helps control blood sugar levels but also improves your heart. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise.
Quit smoking: When it comes to heart health, smoking and diabetes are a dangerous mix. If you smoke, seek assistance in quitting.
Manage Stress: Excessive stress might have a negative impact on your heart health. Use stress-reduction practises like meditation and yoga.
If you have diabetes or risk factors such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, your first step should be to visit Awam Clinic. Diabetes treatment and heart health are specialties of our specialised team of healthcare professionals. We can examine your specific risk factors, provide a personalised plan, and assist you in efficiently managing your health.
Visit your nearest Awam Clinic here: https://awamclinic.com/book-the-best-treatment-with-awam-clinic-now/
