How type 2 Diabetes Can Lead to Heart Disease

The Connection Between Type 2 Diabetes & Heart disease

Diabetes is a term used to refer to several health conditions that affect your body’s ability to turn food into energy. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for roughly 90% of those affected by this condition. For those living with type 2 diabetes, their bodies are still able to produce insulin. However, it’s not being used efficiently enough to regulate blood glucose levels.

What Happens if Type 2 Diabetes Goes Untreated?

When diabetes is left undiagnosed and unaddressed, it can lead to serious health complications affecting the cardiovascular system. Having unmanaged blood glucose levels and other issues connected to diabetes can increase your risk for developing heart disease:

• High blood sugar damages the blood vessels and nerves in the heart.
• High blood pressure can damage the arterial walls.
• High cholesterol results in plaque buildup and damages the arterial walls.
• High triglyceride levels contribute to the hardening of the arteries.

Unfortunately, none of these cardiovascular health issues have warning signs or symptoms, making it imperative that you maintain routine wellness visits with your primary care doctor. Having routine lab testing can help your primary care team to develop a treatment plan for your diabetes while also addressing these other cardiovascular health issues before they progress.

To schedule an appointment with our experienced team of family practice providers, call 307-688-6000.