Diabetics urged to make lifestyle changes to slow cardiovascular disease

Fri, 12 Nov 2010
It is known that diabetics are five times more likely to develop heart disease than those without the disease. It is less well known that people with diabetes can slow down the progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by making a few changes to daily routine and habits, according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

The ESC have reported that the greater chance of CVD that diabetics face is equal to a seven to 10-year reduction in life expectancy, and also brings an increased probability of having a fatal heart attack . The onset of diabetes is linked to the later development of CVD through high lipid levels, high blood pressure, inflammation of vascular walls, and excessive of bad cholesterol produced by the liver .

The ESC have highlighted the fact that the effects of smoking are particularly harmful for people with diabetes, as it raises the mortality rate, and lifestyle choices such as a healthy diet, more exercise and limited alcohol, and can alleviate the symptoms of CVD.

Joep Perk, spokesperson for ESC, commented "Following this common sense advice will have a very positive impact on the progression of CVD. Although it would be good advice for people without diabetes, for those with diabetes, it is literally a matter of life or death."

He added "The complications of CVD when added to the underlying effects of diabetes are a dangerous combination that should be avoided at all costs. This is why we stress the importance of diet and lifestyle changes to manage the progression of CVD."

He also pointed out that the dramatic rise in obesity levels is pushing type 2 diabetes into an epidemic.

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