How Heart Disease and Diabetes Can Be Controlled

For those with diabetes, the immediate fear that most have are the problems associated with small blood vessels. Complications such as poor circulation, kidney disease, and blindness can all be a part of an uncontrolled diabetes condition. However, many who have diabetes are also susceptible to large blood vessel conditions including heart disease. Heart disease and diabetes often can go hand in hand. Excess weight, inactivity, and blood vessel inflammation can all be attributed to both. However, there are ways to control and protect your heart when you have diabetes.

1. Control Heart Disease and Diabetes with Weight Loss
After consulting with your doctor, begin a regimen of shedding those extra pounds. Losing from five to seven percent of your weight can decrease most inflammation and insulin resistance. For a 200-pound person, you would need to lose just 10 to 14 pounds.

2. Control Heart Disease and Diabetes with Food and Fitness
Those who have been diagnosed with diabetes should already be looking at a healthier lifestyle. Continuing that will also help you fight heart disease. Maintain your choices of healthy foods and controlling the portions during meals and between snacks. If you haven't started getting physically fit, begin a fitness program. Healthy food and fitness are lifestyles worth continuing throughout your life.

3. Control Heart Disease and Diabetes by Hitting Your Targets
It is important to control both heart disease and diabetes by making sure you meet your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol targets. If your not meeting the targets that you and your physician have planned out, ask that your treatments be reviewed. Your LDL cholesterol and your triglycerides are important when assessing your chances of heart disease.

4. Medicines to Control Heart Disease and Diabetes
Many who are controlling diabetes have a bunch of medications to take. Many do not enjoy the commitment or the cost of these medications and therefore don't take them regularly. Not taking your medications will only complicate your diabetes and increase your chances of heart disease. If your having a problem taking or affording your medications, talk with your healthcare provider. There maybe some alternatives that they can suggested for you.

5. Aspirin to Control Heart Disease and Diabetes
Talk with your doctor before starting this treatment. However, a therapy of low-dose aspirin taken daily can reduce heart disease for those who have diabetes.

6. No Smoking to Control Heart Disease and Diabetes
This should probably go without saying, but smoking and heart disease do not go hand in hand. If you do smoke, ask your healthcare provider for assistance in quitting.

7. Get Tested Early to Control Heart Disease and Diabetes
As with everything to do with your health, get the proper tests early to help control heart disease and diabetes. Ask your healthcare provider for information on detecting any problems and managing your diabetes. Spotting problems early helps to initiate treatment quickly.