Diabetes is a disease in which your blood sugar (glucose) levels are high. A person usually develops the condition when their pancreas does not make enough insulin or does not make any insulin at all or when their body does not respond to the insulin produced by the pancreas. The WHO says that uncontrolled blood sugar levels “over time cause serious damage to many of the body’s systems, especially nerves and blood vessels.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 77 million people above the age of 18 years in India have diabetes (type 2) and about 25 million have prediabetes. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) says 537 million adults between the ages of 20 and 79 suffer from diabetes globally. This number is projected to increase to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.

world diabetes day Celebrated every year on 14th November, the day aims to raise awareness about diabetes and its preventive measures. In the early stages, diabetes may not seem like a big health issue. However, if the condition is not managed well, it can lead to major health issues like chronic kidney disease, retinopathy, neuropathy, heart disease and others.

Here, see how diabetes can affect your heart health.

high blood sugar and blood vessels

Persistently high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, causing them to harden and narrow. This restricts blood flow, causing the heart to work harder and increasing the risk of heart disease.

increased cholesterol levels

Diabetes often leads to high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and low levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. Increasing LDL cholesterol leads to plaque formation in the arteries, increasing the chances of atherosclerosis. This is a condition that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Diabetes is often accompanied by high blood pressure. High blood pressure puts pressure on the heart and arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and heart failure. Both diabetes and high blood pressure are important factors in heart disease.

Insulin Resistance and Inflammation

In people with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance can cause inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation is considered a risk factor for heart disease because it can cause the growth and rupture of artery plaque, which can lead to blockage.

effects on nerve function

Diabetes can damage the nerves that control the heart and blood vessels in a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. This damage can cause irregular heartbeats and, in severe cases, heart attack or heart failure.

increased risk of heart failure

With diabetes, the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently can be compromised increasing the risk of heart failure.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.