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Doctor Discussion Guide

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Take the cardiovascular risk quiz

Why is cardiovascular risk such a big deal for people with diabetes?

Why is cardiovascular risk such a big deal?

Every 80 seconds, an adult with type 2 diabetes in the US is hospitalized for cardiovascular disease—that is, problems that affect your heart and blood vessels like stroke, heart attack, heart failure—even death. Scary stuff.

Every 80 seconds
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"I figured if I hit my A1C goal, I was golden. But my doctor helped me see that I’m still at risk."

But why the increased risk with type 2 diabetes?

I found out that over time, complications from high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control your heart. It can also damage the blood vessels that flow to your brain. And even if you’re reaching your A1C target like I was, you can still be at increased cardiovascular risk based on factors like weight, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.

A serious risk

  • People with diabetes are at least twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke
  • People with diabetes tend to develop heart disease or have strokes at an earlier age than other people

2 out of 3 deathsof people with type 2 diabetes are from cardiovascular causes.

Blood vessels before and after high blood sugar causes walls to narrow

A SERIOUS LINK:

What you should know about diabetes and cardiovascular disease

When you have diabetes, there's a chance your blood sugar levels are too high. These high blood sugar levels can lead to damage, causing the blood vessel walls to narrow. When this happens, it compromises how important organs in the body work, like your brain and heart. 

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People with type 2 diabetes are also more likely to have other conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, which can raise their cardiovascular risk.

"Jump on in—I bet you'll end up with a little more knowledge than when you started."

What's your cardiovascular risk? Take the quiz

It's important to know that in a recent study, over 30% of people worldwide living with type 2 diabetes have cardiovascular disease. The next step is talking to your doctor about what you can do.

Start quiz
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Do you have known heart disease?

People with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease are at a greater risk of major cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack, or death. Discussing your treatment plan and options with your health care provider is imperative to lowering your risk.

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Make yourself a diabetes care plan

Be sure to regularly talk to your diabetes care team. They’re your secret weapon.

Make a care plan

How Anthony got real about diabetes

Here's how Anthony got real about eating healthy, being active, and listening to his doctor.

Check out his story

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