Please explain the risk of being a diabetic, and the relation of having heart problems later in life. I am 18 years old, and have had diabetes for five years know and have farily good control over it. Thanks
Answer:
Unfortunately there is a significant risk of heart disease as a complication of long-standing diabetes for a variety of reasons. Diabetes is associated with high blood pressure which has its own set of problems related to thickening of the heart muscle, coronary atherosclerosis and heart failure. Also, diabetes directly affects the coronary arteries resulting in premature atherosclerosis both of the larger arteries and smaller arteries increasing the risks of a heart attack substantially. Diabetes is also associated with high cholesterol which in itself is a risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis.
There is some convincing data that the complications of diabetes can be delayed with meticulous control of blood sugar. Also strict avoidance of other known risk factors should be adhered to... eg avoid tobacco, obesity, ensure that your blood pressure, if elevated, is treated appropriately and monitor your dietary intake of saturated fats.
I trust this answers your question.
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