Heart disease is a complication that may affect people with diabetes if their condition is not managed well for a prolonged period of time.

Coronary heart disease is recognized to be the cause of death for 80% of people with diabetes; however, the NHS states that heart attacks are largely preventable.

How are heart disease and diabetes linked?
People suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes are more likely to be at risk from heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure.

Vascular problems, such as poor circulation to the legs and feet, are also more likely to affect diabetes patients. Like diabetes itself, the symptoms of cardiovascular disease may go undetected for years.

•  5 times higher in middle aged men
• 8 times higher in women with diabetes.

More than half of diabetes patients will exhibit signs of cardiovascular disease complications at diagnosis.

What is the cause of heart disease amongst diabetics?
Hyperglycaemia, which characterises diabetes, in combination with free fatty acids in the blood can change the makeup of blood vessels, and this can lead to cardiovascular disease.

The lining of the blood vessels may become thicker, and this in turn can impair blood flow.
Heart problems and the possibility of stroke can occur.

Many people with diabetes also have heart disease. When you do things to take care of your diabetes, like manage your blood sugar, exercise, and eat a healthy diet, that’s also good for your heart.
It’s important to understand your risk and how you can lower it.