Many women focus on their risk of developing breast cancer but for women with diabetes, they need to put that focus more so on heart disease.  The American Diabetes Association states that one in three women will die of heart disease compared to one in nine women dying of breast cancer.  Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women with diabetes. Women with diabetes are 2 times as likely to have a second heart attack and 4 times more likely to have heart failure than women without diabetes. 

Both men and women with type 2 diabetes are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).  CVD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality accounting for greater than 75 percent of hospitalizations and greater than 50 percent of all deaths among those with the disease.

Women without diabetes have a lower incidence of CVD that lags behind nondiabetic men by about 10 years.  The reason for this lag has often been attributed to the differences between the sexes in regards to endogenous sex steroid levels – women appear to have better protection from CVD due to the higher estrogen levels compared to men.

But a Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association, found women with diabetes have a 3.5 –fold increased risk of ischemic heart disease death compared to women without diabetes.  For men with diabetes it was a 2.4 –fold increased risk of the disease compared to men without diabetes.  Therefore the risk of stroke and heart disease in diabetic women puts them at a distinct disadvantage.  Other factors to consider are that women with diabetes of ethnic backgrounds have a higher prevalence of CVD than Caucasian women without diabetes.

This paper from the American Heart Association reminds all people with diabetes, whether you’re a man or woman, of the increased risk of heart disease but to also know there are several steps one can take to reduce their risk.  Here’s how:

·      Maintain a healthy body weight – Reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight is ideal but even losing just five to seven percent of current body weight can have a significant impact on control of diabetes and the Hemoglobin A1c number.  Talk to a registered dietitian about healthy ways to lose weight. 

·      Monitor blood glucose numbers – Several times a week if not daily, blood glucose should be monitored with a home blood glucose meter.  Tight control can prevent complications from diabetes and also protects against heart disease.  Aim for A1c readings to be less than seven percent.

·      Regular physical activity – Research has shown regular physical activity benefits the heart and helps with weight loss. All individuals with diabetes need to find an exercise plan that fits into their lifestyle and that they will do regularly.  At least 30 minutes each day of moderate to vigorous exercise on most days of the week is recommended.

·      Control blood pressure – Aim for a blood pressure reading of less than 130/80 mm Hg.  Losing weight, exercise and reducing sodium intake all help to keep blood pressure in check.

·      Don’t smoke – Nicotine from smoking narrows and restricts blood vessels which having diabetes already does to begin with.  If you already smoke, find ways to stop as soon as possible.  

·      Consume foods that can help lower LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ type) – LDL cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/dl.  Consuming more fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains can is a start.  Also choose foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna, or consider an omega-3 fish oil supplement.