Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes and is responsible for a large proportion of the impact that diabetes has on people’s overall health.1 Read on to learn more about how people with type 2 diabetes can reduce their cardiovascular risk.
Diabetes is a leading cause of preventable CVD.1 In fact, around 30% of people with diabetes are also diagnosed with CVD.2 The reason that people with diabetes are at increased risk of developing CVD is because prolonged high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels.2 This damage promotes the build-up of fatty deposits known as plaques.2 These plaques may restrict blood flow within your arteries and heart or rupture and cause a blockage.2 These events may lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke.2 Therefore, it is important to understand how to best manage your risk factors to minimise the risk of a cardiovascular event.
All people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are at increased cardiovascular risk. Other lifestyle factors that may increase this risk include if you:3
Have a history of smoking
Have high blood pressure
Are overweight
Have a sedentary lifestyle
Consume a high fat, high cholesterol diet
Have a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease
If any of these factors apply to you, you are not alone! In a 2018 study it was found that 57% of Australian adults had 3 or more key modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.3 The good news is that these factors are modifiable, and your cardiovascular risk may be lowered with diet and lifestyle changes.1
It is especially important for people with diabetes to look after their cardiovascular health. Diet and lifestyle changes can help minimise your cardiovascular risk and manage pre-existing cardiovascular disease. These include:1
Following an optimised diabetes diet plan. This might include incorporating specialised nutrition products known as Diabetes-Specific Nutrition Formulas (DSNF), such as Glucerna. DSNFs are designed to help manage malnutrition, keep your blood glucose levels in check and help reduce other cardiovascular risk factors.4
Undertaking regular moderate intensity physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days per week
Consult your doctor about healthy weight-loss strategies
Quitting smoking
Seek psychological support to manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, and/or depression
Understand the signs and symptoms of a cardiovascular event and develop an action plan with your doctor
Eating right when you have diabetes doesn’t have to be complex – it is about knowing what is best for you and your diabetes management plan. Knowing which foods are low-GI can be a helpful way of keeping track of your diet. Read on for a breakdown of what ‘low-GI carbohydrate’ means and how this might be helpful.
While there is no cure for diabetes, many treatments are available to help control blood glucose levels. A healthy lifestyle plays a big role in managing blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of complications.3 This article will explain briefly how type 2 diabetes is managed.
When you have diabetes, you may wonder what ‘eating right’ means for you.
Here we’re busting some of the myths around food and diabetes. Keep reading to learn more.
Food for Special Medical Purposes. Use only under medical supervision.
Abbreviations: CVD: cardiovascular disease; DSNF: diabetes-specific nutritional formulas.
References: 1. Baker Heart and Diabetes institute (2018). The dark heart of type 2 diabetes. Available from: https://baker.edu.au/impact/advocacy/dark-heart-diabetes. Accessed: August 2023. 2. Heart Foundation. Diabetes and heart disease. Available at: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/bundles/your-heart/diabetes-and-heart-disease. Accessed: August 2023. 3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023). Heart, stroke and vascular disease: Australian facts. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/hsvd-facts/contents/risk-factors. Accessed: August 2023. 4. Mechanick JI, et al. Nutrients. 2020;12(12):3616.
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