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Diabetes: Lower Your Risk for Heart Attack and Stroke

Table of Contents


Overview

For some people, diabetes can cause problems that increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Many things can lead to a heart attack or stroke. These include high blood sugar, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Lifestyle and genetics may also play a part.

But here's the good news: The things you're doing to stay healthy with diabetes also help your heart and blood vessels. That means eating healthy foods, quitting smoking, getting exercise, and staying at a healthy weight.

What increases your risk?

When you have diabetes, your risk for heart attack and stroke is even higher if you have:

How can you lower your risk?

Diabetes raises your risk of heart attack and stroke. But the healthy choices that help manage your diabetes also help your heart. Add a few heart-healthy habits, and you'll lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.


Credits for Diabetes: Lower Your Risk for Heart Attack and Stroke

Current as of: October 2, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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