Disclosure: Sponsored by two of Canada91裸聊视频檚 leading research-based pharmaceutical companies
For the over 3.5 million Canadians living with type 2 diabetes, Diabetes Awareness Month offers a timely opportunity to remind patients to take small steps to protect their hearts.
It91裸聊视频檚 time for a heart to heart
You may know someone who91裸聊视频檚 been struggling with type two diabetes for a while, maybe you even know someone who has lost their vision or even a lower limb. Both complications are fairly well known, but the silent and more common complication of type 2 diabetes is heart disease and it91裸聊视频檚 a serious risk.
91裸聊视频淐ardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for people with type 2 diabetes,91裸聊视频� says Dr. Heywood Choi, an endocrinologist from Abbotsford. 91裸聊视频淔or many years we91裸聊视频檝e had medications that effectively lower blood sugar, control blood pressure or lower cholesterol, but they didn91裸聊视频檛 demonstrate any evidence of heart protection. In the last decade, there have been great advances in medications that also reduce risk of heart attack, stroke and death from cardiovascular disease.91裸聊视频�
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3 tips to set you on the right track:
- Set realistic goals for yourself: 91裸聊视频淚t can be hard to change habits,91裸聊视频� Dr. Choi says. 91裸聊视频淏e patient and remember that one small change at a time can add up to a big benefit in the long term.91裸聊视频�
- Look for information: Talk to your doctor and consult a dietician and other members of your care team to find out what day-to-day changes you can make to lower your risk of heart disease.
- Speak from the heart: Talk openly with your doctor about what you91裸聊视频檙e being prescribed to manage your type 2 diabetes. A can help you talk to your doctor about benefits and risks of different treatment options.
Additional lifestyle changes that can also help protect your heart:
- Smoking: If you91裸聊视频檙e a smoker, quitting smoking is very 91裸聊视频渉eart-friendly,91裸聊视频� says Dr. Choi 91裸聊视频� and better for your overall health.
- Fitness: Exercise recommendations vary based on everyone91裸聊视频檚 exercise capacity but aim for 30-minutes of aerobic activity at least five days a week.You may have to start slowly, with as little as five to 10 minutes of exercise per day, gradually building up to your goal.
- Nutrition: Limit processed carbohydrates and added sugars. Avoid sugary beverages and focus on whole grains with a lower glycemic index. 91裸聊视频淭here91裸聊视频檚 no single method that works for everyone, but limiting sugar and processed carbohydrates is beneficial.91裸聊视频�
If you have type 2 diabetes, speak to your doctor about how you can protect your heart health. Together, you can come up with an achievable step-by-step plan to reduce the risk of heart disease. Visit to learn more.