Diabetes & Heart Disease
Answers to common questions about diabetes & heart disease.
Questions on this page
Does diabetes increase the risk of heart disease?
Yes.
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Peripheral arterial disease
Why does diabetes affect the heart?
High blood glucose often occurs together with other cardiovascular risk factors such as:
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal cholesterol
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Kidney disease
Together, these increase cardiovascular risk.
Can I have heart disease without symptoms?
Yes.
Some people with diabetes may have atypical symptoms or no obvious symptoms.
How can I reduce my cardiovascular risk?
Important measures include:
- Good diabetes management
- Blood pressure control
- Appropriate cholesterol management
- Physical activity
- Weight management
- Avoiding tobacco
- Healthy nutrition
- Kidney protection
Can diabetes medicines reduce cardiovascular risk?
Some modern glucose-lowering medicines have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in selected patients. The choice depends on the individual's cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic profile.