Type 2 diabetes patients are twice as likely to die from cardiac causes – be it heart attack, stroke or heart failure – than non-diabetic patients. At the same time, most of these patients do not treat the risk of heart disease, according to an American survey. Dr. Péter Ferenczy, cardiologist and diabetologist at the Cardiocenter, drew attention to the fact that diabetes should almost be classified as a cardiovascular disease, and in this context, it should be checked regularly from a cardiology point of view.
Among people with type 2 diabetes who are not diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, less than 20% have healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking-free lifestyles. This conclusion was reached in an American survey, which was reported in the professional journal of the American Heart Association.
It is worth evaluating this shocking figure as there are approximately 34 million type 2 diabetics in America, among whom cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of disability and the leading cause of death. Among patients with type 2 diabetes, death from cardiac causes is twice as likely as among healthy people in this respect.
It follows from all this that the connections between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases and the importance of lifestyle cannot be overemphasized. For type 2 diabetes patients, the most important goal is to reduce the risk: with continuous monitoring, blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol levels must be reduced, exercise should be done regularly, a balanced diet should be introduced, maintain or restore a healthy weight, avoid smoking, reduce alcohol consumption and manage stress. In addition to all this, of course, appropriate medication can also help reduce the risk.
Metabolic syndrome is a serious risk
– Diabetes is often accompanied by high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Every single element of the so-called metabolic syndrome is related to each other and increases the chance of serious risks many times over, says Dr. Ferenczy.
– The processes start a kind of vicious circle, so you have to intervene somewhere to avoid serious consequences, such as cardiovascular disasters. The most important thing is that those who are at risk from this point of view, regularly take part in examinations. Preventive treatments and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the chance of a disaster occurring. Cardiology monitoring and treatment of diabetic patients is essential.
Diabetic patients need regular cardiological control
The threatening consequences are alarming, but the good news is that we can influence all elements of the metabolic syndrome through nutrition, exercise, or, if necessary, temporary or long-term drug treatment. For example, GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors, which can be prescribed to diabetics, can also reduce cardiovascular risk.
– Type 2 diabetes poses the same cardiovascular risk for a heart attack as a heart attack that has already occurred. In practice, this means that diabetic patients must also be treated according to the professional guidelines for patients who have suffered a heart attack, by regulating blood lipids, blood sugar and blood pressure, he emphasizes dr. Peter Ferenczycardiologist and diabetologist at the Cardiocentre.
– The risk of heart attack, other cardiovascular diseases and brain catastrophe should definitely be assessed with an examination and, if necessary, reduced. In addition to the cardiology visit, it is worth regularly having a laboratory test, a resting and a stress ECG, an echocardiogram and an arteriographic assessment of the vessel condition performed. These results can be used to build professional lifestyle guidelines and, if necessary, medical treatment.
Source: Cardio center
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