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According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes was the 7th leading cause of death in the United States in 2015, the first three on the list being a heart attack, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory disease. However, diabetes is quite a new addition, having only arisen as a life-threatening illness over the past thirty years. It’s a condition that shouldn’t be taken lightly as it can lead to serious complications, including heart disease.

Types of Diabetes

There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. With Type 1 diabetes, your immune system continuously attacks your pancreas, resulting in a decrease in insulin levels. Symptoms typically begin in childhood and there is no specific cause, although some studies claim there is a genetic link. With Type 2 diabetes, there is excess blood sugar buildup in your body, which can damage your liver and kidneys and greatly increase your risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.

Common Causes

Obesity

Being severely overweight can cause high blood pressure, double your risk of a heart attack or stroke and greatly increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. How? The fatty tissues in your cells are released into your blood, which lowers your body’s ability to respond to insulin by reducing its sensitivity to it. Numerous studies indicate obesity accounts for 80-85% of all Type 2 diabetes diagnoses. Doctors suggest maintaining a BMI of 22 to drastically reduce your risk.

Sedentary Lifestyle

heart diseaseIf you have a sedentary lifestyle, you increase your risk of weight gain, heart disease, and potentially decrease insulin production. Doctors suggest even 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day can help regulate insulin and decrease your risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. If you live a sedentary lifestyle and begin to experience heart attack symptoms, call your doctor right away for cardiac testing or screening.

Poor Diet

The old adage, “You are what you eat,” has actually proven to be an accurate depiction of how proper nutrition affects the body. If you eat a balanced diet of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and low glycemic index carbohydrates, your body will be leaner, function better, and reduce your risk for numerous life threatening conditions, including diabetes. However, a diet high in saturated fat and sugar decreases your body’s ability to regulate insulin and fight off disease. This can make you feel lethargic and lower your body’s immune system response, which means you’re likely to get sick more often.

 

Do you want to reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease? The professionals at DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, M.D., P.A. in Rochelle Park, NJ will provide the cardiac care and advice you need to stay healthy. Their team of cardiovascular disease specialists perform testing, give diagnoses, and provide treatment so patients are always aware of their situation and are empowered to improve it. Give them a call at (201)-845-3535 or visit their website to schedule an appointment today.

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