In people with diabetes, 75% will die of cardiovascular disease, unless the risks are properly managed. 

In addition, up to 80% of all hospital admissions of people with diabetes are related to coronary heart disease (narrowed and blocked arteries), stroke or peripheral vascular disease (reduced blood flow to your limbs).

What is the link between diabetes and the heart?

Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight, smoking – and diabetes itself.

A person with diabetes has:

• a 2 to 4 times greater risk of coronary heart disease
• a 4 times greater risk of ischaemic stroke
• a 5 times greater risk of peripheral vascular disease.

Why is it important to control diabetes?

Because of the common links between diabetes and heart disease, effective management of diabetes can reduce the risk of damage to the heart and circulation. Depending on the type of diabetes, this is done through insulin, medication, diet, and exercise or activity.

What can improve the outcome?

The best option is to prevent diabetes itself. This involves a program of lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.

For those with established diabetes, measures include:

• lipid-lowering drugs
• management of blood pressure
• weight management
• changes in diet
• increased exercise
• stopping smoking.

Information provided by Dr Greg Fulcher, MB BS MD FRACP, Head, Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney