Diabetes and Its Link to Your Heart
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for those who live with type 2 diabetes. Learn about the connection between diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, kidney disease, peripheral artery disease and metabolic syndrome.
Other Types of Diabetes
While type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, there are different types of diabetes that you should know about.
Acknowledgement
The Heart of Diabetes™ is supported by an educational grant from Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. »
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There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes is characterized by decreased or absent insulin production in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes cannot survive without daily injections of insulin. Historically, type 1 diabetes has been known as juvenile diabetes because it usually appears in children and young adults.
- Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It develops when the body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t efficiently use the insulin it does make (a condition known as insulin resistance). It appears most often in middle-aged adults; however, it has been occurring in adolescents and young adults at an alarming rate.
National Impact of Type 2 Diabetes
Approximately 21 million Americans live with diabetes, of which 90 to 95 percent currently have type 2 diabetes. On average, only 7.3 percent of people with diabetes reach all the treatment goals for their levels of blood sugar, blood pressure and blood cholesterol. At least 65 percent of deaths among those living with type 2 diabetes are due to CVD, such as heart attack or stroke.
Both forms of diabetes may be genetically inherited. A family history of diabetes can significantly increase a person’s risk of developing diabetes. Untreated diabetes can lead to many serious medical problems. These include blindness, kidney disease, nerve disease, limb amputations and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Diabetes can be managed – The Heart of Diabetes encourages patients living with type 2 diabetes to get regular physical activity, eat healthy foods and work with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. It is critical for people who live with diabetes to work with a healthcare provider to set personal treatment goals and successfully manage their diabetes.
Facts About Diabetes (PDF)
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