Approximately 21 million Americans live with diabetes, of
which 90 to 95 percent currently have type 2 diabetes. On average, only 7.3
percent of people with diabetes reach all the treatment goals for their levels
of blood sugar, blood pressure and blood cholesterol. At least 65 percent of
deaths among those living with type 2 diabetes are due to CVD, such as heart
attack or stroke.
Both forms of diabetes may be genetically inherited. A family history of
diabetes can significantly increase a person’s risk of developing diabetes.
Untreated diabetes can lead to many serious medical problems. These include
blindness, kidney disease, nerve disease, limb amputations and cardiovascular
disease (CVD). Diabetes can be managed – The Heart of Diabetes encourages patients living with type 2 diabetes to get regular physical
activity, eat healthy foods and work with a healthcare provider to develop a
comprehensive treatment plan. It is critical for people who live with diabetes
to work with a healthcare provider to set personal treatment goals and
successfully manage their diabetes.
Diabetes
and Its Link to Your Heart Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of
death for those who live with type 2 diabetes. Learn about the connection
between diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, kidney disease,
peripheral artery disease and metabolic syndrome.
Other
Types of Diabetes While type 2 diabetes is the most common form of
diabetes, there are different types of diabetes that you should know about.