Before we begin: Diabetes puts you at risk for heart disease. There are different types.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about diabetic heart disease. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from foods you eat. The cells of your body need glucose for energy. A hormone called insulin helps the glucose get into your cells.
With type 1 diabetes, your body doesn’t make insulin. With type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in your blood and causes high blood sugar levels.
What is diabetic heart disease? Diabetic heart disease is a term for heart disease in people who have diabetes. If you have diabetes, you are much more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke than people who don’t have diabetes. And you may start having these problems at a younger age.
Over time, the effects of high blood sugar from diabetes can include damage to the blood vessels and nerves in your heart. This damage increases your chance of developing heart diseases, including:
Coronary artery disease (CAD). It happens slowly as a sticky material called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply your heart muscle with blood.
Heart failure. With this condition, your heart can’t pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet the needs of your body.
Cardiomyopathy. This is a group of diseases in which the heart muscle may become thick or stiff.
Who is more likely to develop diabetic heart disease? Diabetes puts you at serious risk for heart disease. It also makes you more likely to develop other conditions that raise your risk even more, including:
High blood pressure
High blood levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol
High triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood) with low blood levels of HDL “good” cholesterol
Your risk for heart disease is also higher if you
Are male
Smoke
Have obesity
Have too much belly fat around your waist, even though you’re at a healthy weight:
For men, that's a waist more than 40 inches
For women, that's a waist more than 35 inches
Have a family history of heart disease
Have chronic kidney disease
What are the symptoms of diabetic heart disease? In the early stages, heart disease usually doesn’t have any symptoms. But if your heart disease worsens, you can have symptoms. Your symptoms will depend on the type of heart disease you have. They might include:
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Dizziness or fainting
Arrhythmia (problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat)
Swollen feet and ankles
Chest pain
It’s important to know that people with diabetes may not feel chest pain. That’s because diabetes can damage the nerves in your heart. If you have any symptoms that could be heart disease, talk with your health care provider.
How is diabetic heart disease diagnosed? To find out if you have diabetic heart disease, your provider will:
Ask about your medical history, including your symptoms and other health conditions you may have
Ask about your family history, to find out if you have relatives who have or had heart disease
Do a physical exam
Likely run some tests to help understand your personal risk for heart disease, including:
Blood tests to check your cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels
A blood-pressure check
Heart tests, if needed
Depending on your risk level, your provider may send you to a cardiologist (a doctor who specializes in heart diseases) for care. If you do have heart disease, treatment will depend on the type of heart disease you have.
How can I prevent diabetic heart disease? You may be able to prevent heart disease or keep it from getting worse by working with your provider to:
Control your blood sugar levels
Manage other conditions you may have that can raise your risk for heart disease
Take any medicines your provider prescribed
Make heart-healthy habits part of your daily life
Follow a healthy eating plan for diabetes
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Categories: Blood, Heart and Circulation, Endocrine System, Diabetes Mellitus.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Key Takeaways
Understanding diabetic heart disease is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.