4 things to know about diabetic heart disease

The close link between diabetes and heart disease is well documented: Diabetes and prediabetes (when glucose levels are elevated but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes) are major risk factors for coronary artery disease, heart disease, and stroke, which are the most common causes of death for people with diabetes.

Heart disease is so prevalent in patients with diabetes that it has its own term: diabetic heart disease. Here are four things to know about this condition.

People with diabetes develop heart disease at a younger age

Everyone’s risk of heart disease increases as they age. Men have an increased risk of heart disease after age 45, and women after 55, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. But for men and women with diabetes, risk increases after age 40.

Women have a greater risk of diabetic heart disease

Both women and men with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. But women are at an even higher risk than men. Research suggests that women with diabetes have roughly a 45 percent greater chance of developing coronary heart disease and a 25 percent greater chance of having a stroke.

There are several theories for this increased risk, including that women are under-diagnosed and undertreated for heart disease, and they have a longer prediabetic state, which allows cardiovascular damage to progress unnoticed. Most likely, the increased risk for women is the result of several factors.

More diabetes treatment plans are focusing on heart health

Since many people have diabetes and cardiovascular disease at the same time, healthcare providers (HCPs) often advocate for a team-based approach to treating both conditions. Endocrinologists and other diabetes specialists will work with cardiologists—physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels—to create treatment plans for managing blood glucose and protecting heart health.

They may prescribe medication as part of the plans. Certain type 2 diabetes medications reduce the occurrence of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes.

Diet, exercise, and lifestyle are paramount

While research uncovers new statistics, new risk assessments, and new ways to treat diabetic heart disease, the most important recommendations for managing the condition remain the same:

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Get regular exercise.
• Do not smoke.
• See your HCP regularly to monitor your health and evaluate how your treatment plan is working.

For more information on how diabetes affects your heart—and what you can do—speak with your HCP.