Why diabetes is more than abnormal blood sugar level

Diabetes is slowly having a strong grip over the world population. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), diabetes affects 422 million worldwide annually. “About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, the majority living in low-and middle-income countries, and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year. Both the number of cases and the prevalence of diabetes have been steadily increasing over the past few decades,” the UN health agency has warned.

101 million adults in India have diabetes

A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, has shed light on the rising diabetes epidemic in India. Published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, this comprehensive survey included over 113,000 participants from Indian states and Union Territories, covering both urban and rural populations. It found that approximately 101 million adults in India have diabetes, with an additional 136 million exhibiting prediabetic symptoms. These numbers underscore the severity of the diabetes crisis in the country.

The study highlighted significant regional variations, with diabetes prevalence higher in urban areas and states in the south and east. Notably, places like Goa, Puducherry, and Kerala had some of the highest rates of diabetes. The research also emphasized that many Indians remain undiagnosed or poorly managed, with limited awareness about the disease and its complications, such as heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

This study by ICMR urges an urgent response to implement better healthcare infrastructure, public health education, and accessible diabetes care across India. It advocates for a focus on preventive measures, such as lifestyle changes and early screening, to mitigate the impact of diabetes and curb its growth in the coming years.

Diabetes, with common symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of cuts or bruises and tingling or numbness in hands and feet, weakens the body system and makes the individual prone to several health issues, the prominent one and the one that needs to be taken care of is its impact on heart health.

How does diabetes weaken the heart?

“Diabetes significantly increases the risk of cardiac arrest, a sudden loss of heart function. High blood sugar damages the blood vessels and the nerves, hence causing most cases of heart failure, where cardiac arrest occurs,” said Dr. Dixit Garg – Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram.

On the impact of diabetes on the heart, Dr Chitra. S, Consultant – Endocrinology, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru, said, “Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, compromising heart health over time. Plaque buildup in the arteries, a consequence of high blood sugar, restricts blood flow and further increases the risk of heart-related complications.”
Adding to this, Dr. Bhawna Attri, Consultant – Endocrinology, Sarvodaya Hospital,Sector-8, Faridabad, said, “diabetes patients have higher chances of having heart problems compared to the general population, and cardiovascular issues are the biggest cause of death in diabetic patients. There are several types of problems for diabetic patients, including heart attacks, dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, blood pressure, and cholesterol problems.”

Dr. Attri, explains, “sudden cardiac arrest is another important issue in diabetic patients, as it can occur when a patient collapses during exercise or even while in a resting state. To reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, it is crucial to screen patients for blood glucose control, weight management, and lifestyle changes.”

How to mitigate the cardiovascular risk that develops due to diabetes?

The experts have touched upon the basic factors of lifestyle to control the risk that diabetes puts on the heart.
“To avoid cardiac problems, diabetic patients should maintain regular blood glucose monitoring, regular doctor visits, and increase their lifestyle, diet, and physical activity. They should also reduce weight, especially due to centripetal obesity, which increases the propensity for cardiovascular diseases. Regular resistance training and aerobic exercises are essential, as well as maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol control,” suggests Dr. Attri.

Agreeing to this, Dr Chitra recommends a few more tips to ward off the risks. She says, “maintaining regular glucose control is essential, as it significantly lowers the likelihood of vascular issues by keeping blood sugar within a safe range. Given that high cholesterol and hypertension further elevate the risk of heart attacks, consistent monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels is also crucial. Women with diabetes are at 4-5 times higher risk of heart disease compared to women without diabetes and should proactively discuss this increased risk with their healthcare providers to develop an individualized plan for heart health.”

Incorporate doctor recommended changes to lead a healthy life

While most of our discussion over diabetes concentrates only on blood sugar levels, what we forget about is what role lifestyle plays in this.
“Lifestyle changes play an important role in supporting heart health. Engaging in regular exercise, such as swimming, cycling, or brisk walking, enhances circulation and strengthens the heart. Adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can aid in lowering cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar, and supporting a healthy weight. Making thoughtful dietary choices is especially beneficial in managing these risks,” says Dr. Chitra.
“Diabetic patients should avoid stress, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. If a patient experiences atypical symptoms, such as breathlessness, chest pain, or hand pain, they should be immediately evaluated by a doctor to prevent worsening and timely management,” says Dr. Attri.

Timely medical checkups are essential too

Our negligence towards medical checkups is another reason why diabetes stealthily progresses in the body.
“Medical professionals may prescribe blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medications to people living with diabetes, which can further safeguard the cardiovascular system. Doctors may also discuss low-dose aspirin therapy with patients who have a high risk of heart disease,” explains Dr. Attri.

“Regular check-ups with a doctor will go a long way in controlling the condition and spotting problems as early as possible. Learning CPR can empower patients and their families to respond effectively in an emergency. There is an abrupt nature to a cardiac arrest, but managing your diabetes and the potential risk factors may decrease your likelihood of having this potentially fatal event,” suggests Dr. Garg.