Diabetes

Diabetes and Heart Disease

Diabetes generates excessive blood glucose levels, which can affect the heart and blood vessels' blood arteries and nerves. The risk of heart disease and stroke is increased by smoking, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, obesity and belly fat, and a family history of heart disease.

High blood sugar levels are the starting point for the association between diabetes and heart disease; high glucose levels in the blood can damage arteries, causing them to stiffen and harden. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty deposits accumulate in blood vessels. This can obstruct blood flow to the heart or brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke.