ith the advances in medication therapy, the convenient ways to monitor blood sugar readings and administer insulin injections with pump technology, people living with diabetes can do most anything today. Yet, one fact remains – having diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke two to three times more than the average population, making it the greatest risk factor of cardiovascular disease. 

High coronary risks
These factors increase risk of cardiovascular disease: age 45 and over for men, over 50 for women; duration of diabetes: more time from diagnosis elevates risk; presence of end-organ injury such as chronic kidney disease or retinopathy and multiple cardiovascular
risk factors: high cholesterol, blood pressure or smoking.

Age is the prominent predictor of heart disease, having diabetes adds 15 years to physiological age. Add the above risk factors and it compounds aging.

Minimize risks
Tight control of daily blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol; correct medication regimens, aspirin therapy where appropriate; and lifestyle modifications, dramatically reduce the long-term complications of diabetes. Quarterly A1c tests ensure levels are within established target ranges. 

While quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight through physical activity and a healthy diet are critical for heart health, they also help stabilize blood sugar levels. Excess weight around the waist increases the risk of diabetes,