Studies indicate a strong correlation between Diabetes and heart disease with about 68% adults over the age of 65 with the former succumbing to heart problems in some form. Uncontrolled Diabetes damages blood vessels over time and makes a person two to three times more susceptible to problems such as coronary heart disease. On World Diabetes Day, awareness needs to be raised on the importance of maintaining blood glucose levels through appropriate lifestyle modifications and effective management of diabetes.
India, at present, represents 49% of the world’s Diabetes burden, with an estimated 72 million cases, a figure expected to almost double to 134 million by 2025. Heart diseases have also increased by more than 50% among Indians as per recent estimates. Given this alarming situation, certain common risk factors for both conditions including unhealthy eating patterns and lack of physical activity must be addressed at the earliest to reduce associated mortality.
Speaking about this, Dr Manoj Kumar, Director & Head, Cardiac Cath Lab, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj, New Delhi, said: “When Diabetes remains uncontrolled, it can cause a range of health complications including heart disease. People living with Diabetes, therefore, should be aided in controlling blood glucose. Education on minimising risks and omitting avoidable risk factors is also imperative. Apart from this, following the correct medication schedule and making certain lifestyle changes to lower the cardiovascular risk factors in people with diabetes is absolutely a must.”