How to Minimize Cardiovascular Disease for Diabetics
Diabetes has one of the same main risk factors of cardiovascular disease, and that is being overweight or obese. Additionally, diabetes are more likely to suffer from heart disease, since it has been associated with causing atherosclerosis. You do not have to be a victim, though. You can take preventive measures to reduce your risk, whether your a diabetic or not.
- Regulate your food intake. The likelihood of experiencing a hyperglycemic attack increases when you consume unhealthy foods high in simple carbohydrates. You should also monitor your consumption of saturated fats and trans fats.
- Maintain or obtain a healthy weight for your size. A BMI chart is the best way to figure out your ideal weight.
- Take your insulin and diabetes medications.
- Screen your blood sugar levels. You should do so, at least once per day using a glucometer. If you are noticing excessively high readings, contact your physician immediately to find a solution.
- Stop smoking immediately, if you are a smoker. You are not doing any benefits to your health in general, and smoking is the leading controllable cause of heart disease.
- Consume plenty of soluble fibers, such as bananas, celery, broccoli, whole grains and apples. The American Heart Association states that a diet consisting of regular soluble fiber intake reduces your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
- Check your blood pressure. If you have diabetes and you are overweight, you have risk factors of hypertension. Make sure you take any prescribed medications for your condition.
- Control your sodium intake. Although, sodium does not directly affect diabetes, it is a known contributing factor of cardiovascular disease.
- Exercise regularly. The American Diabetes Associate stress how it important exercise is and especially to a diabetic.