Diabetes and stroke connection: High blood pressure causes many problems. Let us explain how it damages the heart and arteries and how to prevent it.

High blood pressure: Diabetes isn't just about controlling blood sugar. It affects your entire body, especially your heart and blood vessels. Many people don't realize that prolonged high blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy heart and brain. This is why diabetics are at a much higher risk of heart attack and stroke than the general population. Fortunately, this risk can be significantly reduced with proper care and small lifestyle changes. Let us explain.

 

Effects on the heart and blood vessels

Our body converts the sugar from food, or glucose, into energy with the help of insulin. In diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it properly. This increases blood sugar and gradually damages the inner walls of the arteries. Arteries become hardened or narrowed, and fatty deposits, or plaque, begin to accumulate. Blood flow is restricted, which increases blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Diabetics often also have conditions like obesity, high cholesterol, and kidney problems, which put additional strain on the heart.

 

What causes increased risk?

According to research published in the NIH, diabetes patients are at increased risk for heart disease due to several factors. High blood pressure puts constant pressure on blood vessels. High cholesterol or triglycerides cause plaque to accumulate in arteries. Obesity, especially around the abdomen, increases the burden on the heart. Smoking damages nerves and reduces oxygen in the blood. Sedentary activities, i.e., reduced activity, impair both heart function and blood sugar control. Furthermore, if a close family member has had heart disease, this risk is even higher.

 

How to protect your heart

Keeping your blood sugar under control protects your nerves and blood vessels from damage. Regular blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring and treatment as directed by your doctor reduces stress on the heart and prevents stroke. Dietary attention is crucial. Eating fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean proteins like lentils and beans, and healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and seeds are beneficial. Salt, sugar, and processed foods should be avoided. Gradually, small changes in your diet can make a big difference for your heart.

 

Activities like brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing for at least 30 minutes daily strengthen both blood sugar and the heart. Maintaining weight control, especially reducing belly fat, has a positive effect on both blood pressure and cholesterol. Quitting smoking is extremely important, as it narrows and hardens arteries. Benefits begin immediately after quitting smoking, and blood circulation improves within a few weeks. Stress and poor sleep can worsen both blood sugar and blood pressure. In such situations, meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or walking outdoors can be helpful. If your doctor has prescribed medications for diabetes, blood pressure, or cholesterol, never stop them, as many medications directly protect the heart.