Diabetes and Heart Disease

The Facts
About 2,200 Americans develop diabetes each day, though many people are unaware they have the disease. With heart disease being the leading cause of diabetes-related deaths, you need to be aware of how to control your risk factors.

How are Diabetes and Heart Disease Connected?
Most people with diabetes develop atherosclerosis - a build-up of fatty deposits in blood vessels - placing them at a greater risk of heart disease. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease, stroke or peripheral vascular disease (disease of any blood vessels outside the heart). They also have a higher risk of heart failure, and heart attacks are more likely to be fatal in people with diabetes.

Who Is At Risk?
Key diabetes risk factors are being older than 45 and overweight (a Body Mass Index of 25 or higher), according to the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association. Other risk factors include:

  • High blood pressure (greater than 130 mmHg systolic pressure or 80 mmHg diastolic pressure)
  • Inactivity
  • Low levels of "good" cholesterol (below 50 mg/dL for women and 40 mg/dL for men)
  • High triglyceride levels (above 150 mg/dL)
  • A family history of diabetes or heart disease
  • For women, a history of gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome or giving birth to a baby heavier than nine pounds
  • Fasting glucose level greater than 100 mg/dL
  • Smoking

What Can I Do?
Regular exercise and weight management can help prevent, control or delay the onset of diabetes. Here are some tips to reduce your risk: 

  • Aim for a healthy weight (a Body Mass Index under 25)
  • Limit alcohol consumption - one drink per day for women and two for men
  • Limit daily sodium consumption (less than a teaspoon of salt)
  • Exercise daily for 30 to 60 minutes (people with diabetes or heart disease may need a doctor's evaluation before beginning an exercise program)
  • Increase daily consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
  • Decrease the saturated and trans fats in your diet
  • Don't smoke

Why Choose UVa for Diabetes and Heart Treatment?
Patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease can receive comprehensive care from UVa's Diabetes Cardiovascular Clinic, featuring a team treatment approach that includes a cardiologist, diabetes specialist, dietitians, exercise counselors, a pharmacist and cardiovascular nurses.

UVa has been named one of America's top 50 hospitals for heart care and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report, with care provided by a team of doctors and support staff ranging from cardiologists and surgeons to nutritionists and physical therapists. UVa also has the only accredited Chest Pain Center in the region to assess and treat heart attacks.

Click here to find a heart physician at UVa