Blood Sugar Levels Under 60

Heart attack rates have fallen in the last four decades due to increased public awareness, quicker emergency paramedic treatment, improved medical procedures and drugs in all groups except for women under the age of 55. Many of these women suffer from diabetes. A study published in ‘The Lancet’, a Diabetes Endocrinology Journal, states that “the cardiovascular risk doubles for those who develop diabetes type 2 prior to age 40 compared to those who have late onset diabetes”. Obesity rates are also driving up the number of young people who develop diabetes type 2 which turns to heart issues globally. Dr. Song, a researcher from the United Kingdom, states “the longer the exposure to an atherogenic environment, the more the cardiac problems”.

Men with diabetes are also at a higher cardiac risk than the general population but tend to experience more traditional heart symptoms including nausea, neck, stomach or chest pain, as well as arm or chest pressure, shortness of breathe and cold sweats. They seek treatment more quickly and are often taken more seriously in an emergency situation. Women with diabetes usually experience atypical heart symptoms including dizziness, fatigue or just feeling run down. Many people with diabetes experience no symptoms and have silent heart attacks which may not be documented until much later. If you experience any of these symptoms call 9-1-1 immediately.

Since February is Heart Month and diabetes and heart disease are extremely connected, here are some tips to help you lower your heart disease risks.

The American Heart Association lists “Life’s Simple 7 Checklist” to help protect you against the risk of M.I., stroke and heart failure even with diabetes.

Blood pressure. The most recent guideline from the American Diabetes Association is achieving a blood pressure of 140/80 when being treated with diabetes. Losing just 5-10% of your body weight can lower blood pressure readings. Reducing daily salt intake to below 2300mg to 1500mg a day can make a significant difference since many people are salt sensitive. The average person consumes somewhere between 3000-5000mg of salt a day. Increase potassium rich vegetables and fruits (using moderation in fruit) including mushrooms, leafy greens, squash, white or lima beans, tomatoes or tomato sauce, sweet potatoes, avocados, cantaloupe or honeydew melon, kiwi or grapes since potassium may help lower blood pressure. Eat less processed or frozen entrée meals, bagged and boxed foods to reduce sodium intake. Learn to read food labels. Eat probiotics. Eat cultured foods including yogurt, kefir and buttermilk or fermented foods like kimchi which according to Hypertension Journal “can help lower bloodto help you stay motivated. Each pound of weight loss results in a reduction of five pounds of stress on the knees. Hips function better as well as your lower back. Weight loss causes a decrease in inflammation since fat cells may secrete inflammatory chemicals into the blood stream. Heart disease is partly caused by inflammation. Do not smoke. The chemicals in tobacco cause a multitude of problems including raising blood pressure, increasing blood clot risk, changing the inner lining of the blood vessels, causing fatty artery build-up and reducing protective HDL levels. This is the time to try all avenues to stop smoking. Talk to your health care provider about patches, gum, support groups, Chantix, acupuncture, hypnosis, talk therapy, step programs or go cold turkey. You will save money and improve your over all health. Eat a variety of foods in moderation. One of the most suggested eating plans for heart health remains “The Mediterranean Diet”. This plan avoids processed foods andwelcomes wholesome choices. Included is olive oil which is a monounsaturated healthy fat but high in calories and must be used in small quantities. There is no trans-fat and only a small amount of red meat and dairy allowed due to the saturated fat. Red wine is part of the plan, if you drink, which includes anthocyanins from the grapes skins as well as Resveratrol and tannins which are heart healthy. Fish is plentiful and advantageous due to the Omega-3 fatty acids which are protective, reduce triglycerides, reduce blood clotting and improve blood vessel lining. Whole grains, small portions of fruit, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, herbs, spices and vegetables should be the base of most meals in a combination. Spinach is a wonderful heart healthy and diabetes-friendly vegetable since it is rich in folate and may improve the arterial elasticity to lower heart attack risk. Dietary fiber from plant based foods should include 25-38 grams daily to lower heart disease and prevent inflammation.According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics “adding 7-10 grams of daily fiber can decrease heart disease by 9%”. Prebiotics help feed gut bacteria, lower inflammation and improve heart health. Include foods such as onions, leeks, shallots, garlic, lentils and garbanzo beans since prebiotics may assist in absorbing nutrients more efficiently. These are all included in the Mediterranean diet.

Heart month is a good time to recognize the association between diabetes and heart disease. There are many simple ways for you to avoid heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Always make sure you are also following up with your medical team and you can create a winning combination!