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Please note: This information was as
current as we could make it on the date given above. But medical information is
always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For
regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit
familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient
education Web site. |
An article on this topic is available in this issue of
AFP.
Diabetes and Heart Disease
I have diabetes--why should I worry about heart disease?
If you have diabetes, you have a high risk for having a heart attack or a stroke. You are more likely to get heart disease--and at an younger age--than someone without diabetes.
There are things you can do to reduce your risk for heart disease. Learning about the ABCs of diabetes can help you control your condition and stay healthy.
What are the ABCs of diabetes?
A stands for the A 1c test. This test measures your blood sugar over the past three months. It is the best way to know if your blood sugar is under control. Ask your doctor for an A 1c test at least two times a year. Get the test more often if your blood sugar stays too high or if your doctor changes your treatment plan. The A 1c goal for people with diabetes is below 7 percent.
B stands for blood pressure. High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard. Your doctor should take your blood pressure at every office visit. The blood pressure goal for people with diabetes is below 130 over 80 (this is the same as 130/80 mm Hg).
C stands for cholesterol. "Bad" cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL, for short) cholesterol, builds up and clogs your arteries. Ask your doctor to check your cholesterol level at least once a year. The LDL cholesterol goal for people with diabetes is below 100 milligrams per deciliter (100 mg per dL).
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Where can I learn more about diabetes and heart disease?
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What can I do to reduce my risk for heart disease?
- Ask your doctor what your ABC numbers are and what you can do to reach your target ABC numbers.
- Exercise every day.
- Eat less fat and salt.
- Eat more fiber: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans.
- Stay at a healthy weight.
- If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you stop.
- Take the medicines your doctor prescribes for you.
- Ask your doctor if you should take aspirin every day.
This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.
Visit familydoctor.org for information on this and many other health-related topics.
Copyright © 2003 by the American Academy of Family
Physicians.
Permission is granted to print and photocopy this material for
nonprofit educational uses. Written permission is required for all other uses,
including electronic uses.
