Many people don’t realize how closely diabetes and heart health are connected. Both conditions share many of the same risk factors and managing one often benefits the other. In fact, following a heart-healthy lifestyle– rich in balanced nutrition and regular physical activity– is one of the best ways to prevent or manage diabetes.
If left unmanaged, diabetes can significantly increase your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases over time. Here’s how the condition can affect your heart:
1. Changes in Heart Function
High blood sugar levels over time can weaken the heart muscle and make it less efficient at pumping blood. This added strain can eventually lead to heart failure or other circulation issues. Keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range helps protect your heart’s strength and overall function.
2. Blood Vessel Damage
Diabetes can harm the lining inside your blood vessels, making them more likely to become inflamed or narrowed. When this happens, blood can’t move as freely through the arteries, putting extra stress on your heart and increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
3. Imbalanced Cholesterol Levels
Many people with diabetes also experience cholesterol imbalances, such as high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol. These changes can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, which reduces blood flow and raises the risk of heart disease. Managing your diet and medication can help maintain healthier cholesterol levels and protect your heart.
Living with Diabetes Program
A diabetes diagnosis doesn’t mean you’re destined to develop heart problems. With proper care, lifestyle changes and education, it’s possible to live a full healthy life while reducing your risk of complications.
Many people living with diabetes receive only limited guidance on nutrition and often lack the tools to fully understand and manage their condition. The Sarah Bush Lincoln Living with Diabetes Program helps bridge that gap by offering comprehensive education and ongoing support, empowering participants to take control of their health and well-being. This program isn’t just for those newly diagnosed—it’s also designed for people who have been living with diabetes for years.
Program Details
- Cost: $3.50 per session (financial assistance available)
- Schedule: Classes held every Monday and Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.
- How to Join: Call your primary care provider and ask for a referral to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Heart Center – Living with Diabetes Program.
For more information, contact:
Paula Enstrom, RN
penstrom@sblhs.org
217-238-4808
The information in this blog is should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider with questions about your health.
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