Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease by four to five times as compared to a non-diabetic person. Hence apart from blood sugar control diabetics also need to pay close attention to controlling their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Diabetics need to have a more stringent lifestyle control as compared to normal people. Lifestyle changes along with weight loss will lead to significant improvement in blood sugar levels.
People suffering with high blood pressure (known as hypertension) are more than twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke as those with normal blood pressure. Hence diabetics need to keep their blood pressure as close to the ideal as possible, and always less than 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
The general dietary recommendations for diabetes will include, complex carbohydrates(like whole grain pastas, brown rice) avoid processed carbohydrates(like refined flour, polished white rice), prefer raw fruits over fruit juices, include protein (lean meat, eggs, lentils, beans, dairy), green leafy vegetables, avoid raw sugar & sweat treats.
Increasing physical activity, and losing weight—should help to lower your blood pressure. If diet and exercise alone do not bring your blood pressure into a healthy range, medications may be necessary to lower it.
Since diabetes increases your risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, one should pay close attention to factors that can put you at greater risk for heart trouble. These are often referred to as the ABC’s:
- Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) blood sugar test
- Blood Pressure
- Cholesterol
