Heart Disease and Stroke
If you have diabetes, you are at risk for having a heart attack or stroke. These strike people with diabetes more than twice as often as people without diabetes.
Coronary artery disease is caused by a narrowing or blocking of the blood vessels that go to your heart. It's the most common form of heart disease. Your blood carries oxygen and other needed materials to your heart. Blood vessels to your heart can become partially or totally blocked by fatty deposits. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to your heart is suddenly reduced or cut off. A stroke occurs when blood vessels to a part of your brain is suddenly cut off by fatty deposits or a blood clot.
Making changes to your lifestyle can help prevent against heart disease and stroke, make healthy food choices and get active.
The ABCs of Diabetes:
Keeping your ABCs in check can also help you lower your risk for heart disease
and stoke. The ABCs are an easy way to remember some of the most important health
issues related to diabetes. As a man with diabetes it's important to stay informed
of related health complications, take a look at the ABCs and speak with your
health care provider to see if these issues are affecting you.
A is for A1C:
Your A1C reflects your average blood glucose level for the two to three month period before the test. Your health care provider uses it to determine how well you are managing your blood sugar. A goal of less than 7 percent is desirable, which corresponds to an average blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL.
B is blood pressure:
Men with diabetes should aim for a blood pressure level below 130/80 mm Hg. You should monitor blood pressure at each routine diabetes visit.
C is for cholesterol (lipids):
A complete cholesterol test, referred to as a lipid panel or lipid profile, includes the measurement of four types of fats (lipids) in your blood, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides. LDL is sometimes called the "bad"cholesterol. Too much of it in your blood causes the accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow. HDL is sometimes called the "good"cholesterol because it helps carry away LDL cholesterol, thus keeping arteries open and blood flowing more freely. Total cholesterol is the sum of your blood's cholesterol content. Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells and released later for energy.
Note: Now you know your ABCs. Speak with your health care provider about
ways to keep your ABCs in control .
