Topic Overview

You can help prevent diabetic heart and blood vessel complications by eliminating or treating as many of your risk factors for atherosclerosis and high blood pressure (hypertension) as possible.

Risk factors for atherosclerosis

• Smoking tobacco
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• High cholesterol (especially high levels of low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol)
• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure

Risk factors for hypertension

• High-sodium diet
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking tobacco
• Kidney problems
• Excessive alcohol consumption (more than 2 drinks a day for men or 1 drink a day for women)

Diabetes and these risk factors

Diabetes contributes to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) because it increases the buildup of plaque. The best way to prevent hardening of your arteries is to address all risk factors. Controlling your blood sugar levels as much as possible will also help prevent the acceleration of atherosclerosis.

High blood pressure increases your risk for stroke and atherosclerosis. You can lower blood pressure with lifestyle changes and medicine.

Treatments to prevent heart and blood vessel complications from diabetes

Lifestyle changes	Medications
Reduce salt intake. Lose weight. Get plenty of exercise. (Try to do moderate activity at least 2½ hours a week.) Limit alcohol. Reduce stress. Quit smoking. Increase potassium and calcium intake.	ACE inhibitors Beta-blockers Diuretics Angiotensin II receptor blockers Other vasodilators Centrally acting agents

Related Information

• Type 2 Diabetes: Living With Complications

Credits

Author	Judy Dundas
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	David C.W. Lau - Endocrinology
Last Updated	July 22, 2009