Diabetes and Heart Disease

Diabetes is classed under metabolism disorder. Metabolism can be described as the way through which our bodies digest food for growth as well as energy. Whatever we eat is broken down as glucose. Glucose can be defined as a form of sugar in the blood and is also the main source of fuel in our blood. When the person is suffering from the ailment, the quantity of glucose in the blood is elevated.This condition is also known as hyperglycemia.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – This disease of the heart refers to the slow narrowing of arteries. It can happen due to fatty deposits called plaque. In case, a cholesterol plaque rupture suddenly, it can result in the blockage in one of the arteries which can cause a heart attack.

Congestive Heart Failure – It is a chronic condition which can make the heart lose the ability to pump blood in an effective way. Heart failure is characterized by shortness of breath with exertion along with leg swelling. The heart conditions can often be found related to one another. Normally CAD is one of the major reasons for congestive heart failure. Hypertension is also found to occur in people with diabetes and can also contribute to CAD as well as heart failure.

Co-Q10 deficiency can lead to congestive heart failure. This enzyme is known to be highly concentrated in the heart muscles since the heart requires more energy. Congestive heart failure can also result due to a wide variety of cases and has been related to low levels of this enzyme in the blood. For a long time, a lot of research have been done on heart diseases in relation to CoQ10; also known as Ubiquinone and Vitamin Q10. The severity with which a person’s heart can fail can be correlated with the deficiency of it.

1. Genetic or hereditary - If one of the parents has diabetes, then there is an obvious risk factor of diabetes occurring in his/ her child. But in case the father is having diabetes, the risk is more. In case, both father and mother have diabetes, the risk factor becomes even higher.
2. Little or no physical activity – Sugar or whatever glucose we consume cannot burn unless and until there is enough physical activity. Lack of physical activity can lead the blood-glucose level to rise and increase the glycogen storage. Thus, insulin is forced to secrete more to balance the excessive levels of glucose. However, sometimes, a coarse pancreas is not able to secrete enough and this leads to increase the requirement of insulin and the person has diabetes.
3. Bad food habits – Foods that are high in glucose (carbohydrates) as well as fatty (oily) foods can lead the blood-glucose level to rise up. The pancreas responds by increasing the insulin secretion in a proportionate way. With time, the pancreas is not able to secrete insulin properly thus, leading to diabetes.
4. Obesity or being overweight – Obesity or being overweight is noticed if a person has a large waist with too much fat. This can be due to excessive intake of sugar or oily foods. Studies have proved that excessive fat storage can be the contributing risk factor in terms of type 2 diabetes.
5. Pregnancy and gestational diabetes – The risk of having diabetes is high for both the mother and child in terms of gestational diabetes. This can be due to genetic factor as well as the inability of the body.
6. Pre-diabetes – A person might have been diagnosed with high blood glucose level but was not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. This also can make him vulnerable enough to get the disease in future.
7. Ethnicity – Certain regions, countries, community etc. are also at an increased risk towards having the disease.

• Make sure that you have your breakfast properly every day
• Include a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet
• Try to eat small meals as well as a fruity snack at regular interval
• If you are having dessert, share it
• Drink a glass of water ten minutes before having a meal since it will ease your hunger
• Do regular exercises or brisk walking every day

In terms of treatment of diabetes, the main goal is to keep the blood glucose levels balanced and within the limit. Your lifestyle plays a key role in keeping your blood glucose levels as near to normal as possible. Diabetic treatment should be agreed on the basis of medical, psychosocial as well as lifestyle issues.