Heart Health and Type 2 Diabetes
This educational content related to heart health and type 2 diabetes was made possible with support from Trulicity, a partner of Beyond Type 2.
You have to protect your heart at all costs, especially from type 2 diabetes. Diabetes increases your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular disease encompasses a host of conditions including peripheral artery disease, heart diseases and thrombosis and embolism (clots in the leg’s veins which can move up to the lungs and heart). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) include heart attacks and strokes.
Here are some things to know about the link between and heart disease:
- Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada. Cardiovascular diseases are also the number one cause of death, globally.
- At least 68 percent of people aged 65 or older with diabetes die from a form of heart disease and 16 percent die from strokes.
- People with diabetes are two to three times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke compared to people without diabetes.
- According to Diabetes Canada, people living with diabetes can lower their risk of heart disease and stroke considerably by paying attention to their diabetes-related risk factors with the ABCDEs of diabetes management.
- Adults with diabetes two to four times more likely to die from heart disease than those without diabetes.
Warning signs of cardiovascular disease
You may not experience symptoms from cardiovascular diseases, but you could still have it. It’s important to be regularly screened by your providers to assess your risks. Still, there are some warning signs to watch out for:
- Pain or discomfort in the chest, neck, arms, left shoulder, elbow or back.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Light-headedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heart flutters or irregular heart beats
- Severe headache
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please see a doctor right away.
Heart health resources
Read our resources below to learn more about preventing and lowering the risks of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as type 2 medications that treat diabetes and reduce the risks of CVD. Use our guides to help you begin new conversations with your healthcare team on how to prioritize heart health in your diabetes care.
Know Your Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
What's the risk of developing cardiovascular disease if you have type 2 diabetes? Learn them here. LEARN MORE
Blood Pressure in Type 2 Diabetes Management
Watching your blood pressure is one of the many ways to reduce your risks of cardiovascular disease.LEARN MORE
Heart-Healthy Food and Recipes
The risks of developing heart disease are higher with diabetes. Reduce those risks with our heart-healthy recipes and nutrition tips.LEARN MORE
Diabetes and Exercise
Exercise is key to a healthy lifestyle. You should always consult your doctor before engaging in strenuous exercise to be sure you are physically able though.LEARN MORE
Ask a DCES: What’s the Connection Between Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes?
A diabetes care and education specialist (DCES) answers a patient's question about the connection between heart disease and type 2 diabetes.LEARN MORE
All About SGLT-2s
SGLT-2 Inhibitors are one of the treatment options to manage type 2 diabetes. Learn the brand names, benefits and side effects to taking this drug. LEARN MOREAdditional Resources
Cholesterol: Is it Good, Bad, or Both?
Is cholesterol good, bad, or both? The answer isn't so black and white. Read about cholesterol and how it impacts your health here. LEARN MORE
Mediterranean Diet for Type 2 Diabetes
Love Greek, Spanish, or Italian foods? Then you'll love what the Mediterranean Diet and how it can help you manage type 2 diabetes. LEARN MORE
