Diabetes has wide-reaching impacts. It changes how you think about your feet and might mean you pay extra attention to your eyes.
It also warrants diligence about your heart health. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease.
If you have a diabetes diagnosis or think you might be living with this condition, see our providers at Louisiana Heart and Vascular Institute. At our offices in Covington, Franklinton, and Hammond, Louisiana, we can help you manage diabetes in a way that protects your heart.
We personalize treatment to you. Generally, though, everyone with diabetes should do a few strategic things to lower their risk of heart disease.
Get a regular A1C test. This essentially tells you what percentage of your blood cells are coated in sugar. It gives a more complete picture of your blood sugar than a home test, which measures only your blood sugar at that time.
We can work with you to set your target A1C levels. Then, do what you can to stay inside that target range.
What you eat makes a big difference in your blood sugar levels. The right diet can help you avoid blood sugar spikes. It also makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight and avoid issues like high cholesterol.
There’s no specific diet for diabetes. But experts agree that getting lots of produce, fiber, and lean protein is a good idea.
Regular physical activity helps in key ways. It makes it easier to control your blood sugar levels if you have Type 2 diabetes. If you have Type 1 diabetes, it can improve your insulin sensitivity. Plus, it helps you strengthen your heart and maintain a healthy weight.
Find a way to get moving that you enjoy enough to do regularly. Even a brisk walk can reap these benefits.
Smoking makes it more difficult to control your diabetes, plus it’s bad for your heart on its own. Kicking the habit goes a long way toward protecting your cardiovascular and overall health.
Some people with Type 2 diabetes can manage their condition with healthy lifestyle changes, such as the ones we’ve outlined. But you may need additional intervention to control your blood sugar levels and protect your heart.
We can evaluate your condition to see if you’d benefit from insulin or any heart-protecting medications.
These strategies give you actionable ways to protect your heart. For support in implementing them, call Louisiana Heart and Vascular Institute or schedule an appointment online today.
