### How Diabetes Increases Heart Disease Risk and How to Protect Your Heart If you have diabetes, your risk of developing heart disease is more than double that of the general population, according to the American Heart Association. For people with type 2 diabetes, heart disease is the most common cause of death. Here’s how diabetes affects your heart and what you can do to reduce your risk. #### How Diabetes Affects the Heart High blood sugar levels in people with diabetes can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control them. Over time, this can lead to blockages in the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart. The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk of heart disease. #### Risk Factors - **High Blood Pressure:** Common in people with diabetes, it puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. - **High Cholesterol:** Poorly controlled cholesterol levels can lead to fatty deposits in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. - **Obesity:** Being overweight is a significant risk factor for heart disease. - **Sedentary Lifestyle:** Lack of physical activity can increase the risk of high blood pressure and obesity. - **Smoking:** Smoking combined with diabetes greatly increases the risk of heart disease. #### How to Protect Your Heart - **Monitor Blood Sugar:** Regularly check your blood sugar levels as advised by your doctor. - **Healthy Diet:** Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit saturated fats, trans fats, and sugars. - **Exercise Regularly:** Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, plus strength training exercises twice a week. - **Manage Weight:** Work with a nutritionist to create a healthy eating plan and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight. - **Quit Smoking:** Ask your doctor for help to quit smoking. - **Medications:** Take medications as prescribed to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. By understanding the connection between diabetes and heart disease, and by taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your risk and improve your heart health.