Can Having Diabetes affect my Heart?

 Having Type 2 Diabetes makes you twice as likely to develop and die from cardiovascular disease, then people who don’t have diabetes. This is quite a staggering statistic!

Having a high blood sugar can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart hence causing a lot of heart issues

To lower your risk for Diabetes, follow these Simple Guidelines:

• Weight: Keep a normal weight which is +/-10% of Ideal Body weight

• Physical activity: Aim for a 30-minute walk at least five days a week.

• Blood pressure: Maintain a blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg.

• Smoking: Avoid smoking

• Diet/Nutrition: Consume a diet that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, skinless poultry, fish, legumes, non-tropical vegetable oils and unsalted nuts and seeds. Limit trans fats, red and processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and sweetened beverages.

• Alcohol: Moderate alcohol intake. 1 drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men.

• Stress and well-being: Everyone feels stressed, try and find ways to keep your stress under controlled by engaging in things like meditation, yoga

• Sleep: Adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep a night.

Its important to remember that the above guidelines take time and at Nutrition Kept Simple we help guide you with the Diet/Nutrition aspect.