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Be Alert To Prevent Diabetes And Heart Disease!
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Be Alert To Prevent Diabetes And Heart Disease!
March 2, 2013
James H. O'Keefe, M.D.
According to a study published in June 2012 in Diabetes Care, deaths from heart attack and stroke in adults with diabetes fell by 40 percent between 1997 and 2006. Though we are making significant progress, it’s important to continue to raise awareness of the connection between these two diseases, especially as Diabetes Alert Day, March 26, approaches.
Diabetes doubles the likelihood of developing serious cardiac issues, and cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death for individuals with diabetes. These cardiovascular problems are at in part stimulated by chronically high glucose levels which damage the blood vessels, and ultimately the degrade body’s entire cardiovascular system. Though the heart is often the focus of the vascular system, individuals with diabetes are also at increased risk for stroke caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, and peripheral vascular disease, which can lead to foot ulcers, leg amputations and other complications.
Meeting individual blood glucose goals is a critical part of self-care for people with diabetes to help ward off complications. Blood glucose levels may play an especially important role in preventing all forms of vascular disease in people with type 1 diabetes.
To stay on top of your risk for diabetes and vascular disease, the American Diabetes Association recommends keeping your “ABCs” in check. This mnemonic device is an easy way to remember what’s important when it comes to reducing vascular complications.
A is for A1C
Your A1C reflects your average blood glucose level for the two-to-three month period before the test. Your health care provider uses it to determine how well you are managing your blood sugar. A goal of less than seven percent is desirable, which corresponds to an average blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL.
B is blood pressure
Ideally, we would like to see your blood pressure level below 130/80 mm Hg. You should monitor blood pressure at each routine doctor’s visit, and on your own if necessary.
C is for cholesterol (lipids)
A complete cholesterol test, referred to as a lipid panel or lipid profile, includes the measurement of four types of fats (lipids) in your blood: low-density lipoprotein (LDL); high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; total cholesterol; and triglycerides.
• LDL is sometimes called the “bad” cholesterol. Too much of it in your blood causes the accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow. We want to see your LDL below 70 mg/dl.
• HDL is sometimes called the “good” cholesterol because it helps carry away bad cholesterol, thus keeping arteries open and blood flowing more freely. Your goal should be to have as much good cholesterol as possible—ideally above 45 mg/dl for men and 55 mg/dl for women.
• Total cholesterol is the sum of your blood’s cholesterol content, and we want this number below 190 mg/dl.
• Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn’t need to use right away into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells and released later for energy. Triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dl.
If any of your ABCs are out of line, be sure to talk with your health care provider. Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a healthy diet, can go a long way in minimizing your risks for diabetes and heart disease. But, if necessary, we also have excellent medications available to help you manage your risk factors for both diseases.
Dr. O’Keefe is a cardiologist with Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants.
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