How can people with diabetes reduce their risk of heart disease?

If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. Here are some steps you can take to reduce this risk: 1. **Monitor Blood Sugar Levels**: Regularly check your blood sugar levels as per your doctor's advice. Keeping a journal of your readings can help you and your doctor manage your diabetes better. 2. **Healthy Diet**: Adopt a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. 3. **Regular Exercise**: Aim for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking or cycling. Include strength-training exercises at least twice a week. 4. **Manage Blood Pressure**: High blood pressure is a common risk factor for heart disease. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and take prescribed medications to manage your blood pressure. 5. **Control Cholesterol Levels**: Keep your cholesterol levels in check by eating healthy, exercising, and taking medications if necessary. Avoid foods high in LDL (bad) cholesterol and aim to increase HDL (good) cholesterol. 6. **Maintain a Healthy Weight**: Work with a dietitian or nutritionist to create a healthy eating plan and engage in regular physical activity to manage your weight. 7. **Quit Smoking**: Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease. Seek help from your doctor to find effective smoking cessation methods. 8. **Regular Check-ups**: Visit your doctor regularly to monitor your heart health and manage any risk factors. By following these steps, you can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health.