Let's Get Real It's time to change how we think about type 2 diabetes

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Having type 2 diabetes means an up to 4 times greater risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death compared to people without diabetes.

Why? Because if it’s not managed over time, complications from high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control your heart. And people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have other conditions that raise their risk, too.

Talk to your doctor about ways to manage your cardiovascular risk.

Having type 2 diabetes means an up to 4 times greater risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death compared to people without diabetes.

But cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in the US, even for those without diabetes. There’s never a bad time to talk to your doctor about ways to manage your cardiovascular risk.

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The unfortunate fact is that once someone has had a heart attack or stroke, they’re at increased risk for another cardiovascular event. That applies to people with and without type 2 diabetes.

But there are ways you can help lower your risk of having another event or keep it from getting worse. Talk to your doctor about understanding your cardiovascular risk and ways to manage it.

I bet this will make you want to keep it that way: Once someone has had a heart attack or stroke, they’re at increased risk for another cardiovascular event. That applies to people with and without type 2 diabetes. 

Talk to your doctor about understanding your cardiovascular risk and ways to manage it.

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High blood pressure is a big risk factor for cardiovascular disease and events, such as heart attack, stroke, or even cardiovascular death. 

If you aren’t already taking steps to keep your blood pressure under control, now’s a great time to start. 

Talk to your doctor about understanding your cardiovascular risk and ways to manage it.

Hey, you’re nailing it!

High blood pressure is a big risk factor for cardiovascular disease and events, such as heart attack, stroke, or even cardiovascular death. So keep doing what you’re doing to maintain your blood pressure. And keep your doctor in the loop, too.

High blood pressure is a big risk factor for cardiovascular disease and events, such as heart attack, stroke, or even cardiovascular death. 

So if you don’t know your blood pressure, talk to your doctor about your numbers. Knowing where you stand is the first step toward taking action.

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High cholesterol is a strong cardiovascular risk factor. 

And there’s more than one kind of cholesterol, too. Talk to your doctor about “good” and “bad” cholesterol, and what you can do to keep it under control.

That’s good to hear, because high cholesterol is a strong cardiovascular risk factor.

And there’s “good” and “bad” cholesterol, too. If yours is under control, talk to your doctor about what you can do to keep it there.

High cholesterol is a strong cardiovascular risk factor. And there’s “good” and “bad” cholesterol, too.

That’s why it’s so important to know your numbers. You can start by scheduling a screening with your health care provider.

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Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of managing your cardiovascular risk. Your doctor can help you understand what that means and set some goals for you to stay on track.

Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of managing your cardiovascular risk. Whether you’re on the right track or not, it can’t hurt to check in about weight next time you see your doctor, right?

Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of managing your cardiovascular risk. So if you’re not sure about your own weight, your doctor can help you understand what that means and set some goals for you to stay on track.

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Smoking cigarettes means increased cardiovascular risk. 

Remember, if you have type 2 diabetes, your risk for events like heart attack or stroke is already up to 4 times greater than someone without type 2 diabetes.

Why pile risk on risk? NOW is a great time to talk to your doctor about quitting.

Now, that’s the best thing you could’ve said.

Remember, if you have type 2 diabetes, your risk for events like heart attack or stroke is already up to 4 times greater than someone without type 2 diabetes. And smoking cigarettes also increases a person’s cardiovascular risk. 

Why pile risk on risk, am I right?

That’s a great answer. Your cardiovascular risk starts decreasing soon after you quit—and for many people, it keeps decreasing over time.

Sounds like a win to me.

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According to the American Heart Association, Black Americans have higher rates of type 2 diabetes and may develop cardiovascular disease at an earlier age than other racial groups.

And some racial groups are more likely than others to experience risk factors for heart disease, like high blood pressure.

Talk to your doctor about what you can do to manage your cardiovascular risk.

Minority populations living with type 2 diabetes have an even higher risk of cardiovascular disease than other populations.

But nobody’s off the hook. Everyone living with type 2 diabetes has an increased risk. 

Talk to your doctor about what you can do to manage your cardiovascular risk.

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Even basic factors like age can affect your risk of cardiovascular disease.

In men, risk for heart disease starts increasing around age 45. For women, risk goes up around 55. 

And people 65+ are more likely than younger people to develop heart disease. 

You know what I’m going to say: Talk to your doctor about ways to manage your risk as you age. 

Even basic factors like age can affect your risk of cardiovascular disease.

In men, risk for heart disease starts increasing around age 45. For women, risk goes up around 55. 

And people 65+ are more likely than younger people to develop heart disease. 

You know what I’m going to say: Talk to your doctor about ways to manage your risk as you age. 

Even basic factors like age can affect your risk of cardiovascular disease.

In men, risk for heart disease starts increasing around age 45. For women, risk goes up around 55. 

And people 65+ are more likely than younger people to develop heart disease. 

You know what I’m going to say: Talk to your doctor about ways to manage your risk as you age. 

Even basic factors like age can affect your risk of cardiovascular disease.

In men, risk for heart disease starts increasing around age 45. For women, risk goes up around 55. 

And people 65+ are more likely than younger people to develop heart disease. 

You know what I’m going to say: Talk to your doctor about ways to manage your risk as you age. 

Even basic factors like age can affect your risk of cardiovascular disease.

In men, risk for heart disease starts increasing around age 45. For women, risk goes up around 55. 

And people 65+ are more likely than younger people to develop heart disease. 

You know what I’m going to say: Talk to your doctor about ways to manage your risk as you age.