Cardiovascular disease and diabetes
In Illinois, heart disease is the leading cause of death for people with diabetes. Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than people without diabetes.Keep your blood sugar under control.
Keeping your blood sugar under control will greatly reduce your risk for heart disease and other diabetes related complications. Many people with diabetes check their blood sugar several times a day. Knowing your blood sugar values will help you to keep good control and will provide valuable information for your physician to use in developing the best possible care plan for you.Maintain a healthy weight.
People with diabetes are more likely to be overweight. Losing weight helps to control diabetes and reduces risk for developing heart disease and other health problems.For a healthy diet, choose more often to consume whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats (fish, chicken, turkey) and low-fat dairy products. Chose less often foods that are fried or processed (dried, canned, frozen), and large/super size portions. Alcohol can add additional calories, which are not helpful if you are watching your weight. If you choose to drink alcohol, drink with food and limit to one drink for women and two drinks for men per day (one drink=5 oz. wine, 1.5 oz. distilled spirits, 12 oz. beer). Work with a registered dietitian who can assist you with planning healthy meals for you and your family.
Along with making healthy food choices, daily physical activity will help you maintain a healthy weight. Your health care provider should discuss the best time of day and types of physical activity for you. You don't need a gym or expensive equipment. A brisk walk is great!
Physical activity, preferably on most days of the week, will not only help to maintain your weight, but also will help you to achieve your target blood glucose level, to lower your blood pressure and to reduce your risk for heart disease.
Lower your cholesterol level.
When eating low-fat food choices, your body has the amount and type of fat it needs to be healthy. Eating foods that are lower in saturated cholesterol (fat that is solid at room temperature) and cholesterol (found in meat, milk, eggs) and higher in soluble fiber (apples, oat meal, natural fiber) can help you to lower your bad cholesterol (LDL). On the other hand, daily physical activity will increase the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. Good cholesterol helps to reduce your risk for heart disease.Talk to your read more
