Heart Disease

What is diabetic heart disease?

High blood glucose can damage the large blood vessels that surround the heart and carry blood to the arms, legs and head. This causes the heart to work harder and may lead to heart attacks or strokes.

How will I know if I have diabetic heart disease?

Damage to the large blood vessels has very few early symptoms. Sometimes people have:

• Slow healing cuts or sores

• Leg cramps that go away with rest

• Dizzy spells

• Chest pain with exercise, stress or at rest

It is important that you see your doctor regularly; every 3 months is recommended, so that any problems can be discovered early.

If I have heart disease, what should I do?

• Keep your blood glucose, blood pressure and blood fats, including cholesterol and triglycerides, in good control.

• If you are overweight, work towards achieving slow weight loss.

• Begin an exercise program if you don't already exercise. Discuss this with your doctor before starting.

• Do not smoke or use tobacco products.

Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of  the following symptoms:

• Tightness in chest or neck

• Blackout

• Chest or leg pain

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