As of this year, about 1 in 10 people in the United States are living with diabetes. With unfavorable eating habits being commonplace in many Americans’ diets, this number will likely continue to increase. As we enter National Diabetes Month, the team here at Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island would like to bring more awareness to this condition and what you can do to prevent it or mitigate its symptoms.
How Does Diabetes Affect The Heart?
As the muscular organ responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, the health of your heart should always be a top priority. That is why it is essential to understand how diabetes can affect the health of your heart. If you’ve recently been diagnosed or are in danger of developing this condition, the potential effects it can have on your heart include:
- Damaging the nerves that control your heart.
- Increasing your blood pressure.
- Formation of plaque on damaged artery walls.
- Hardening of your arteries.
What Can You Do?
Since there is no cure for diabetes, seeking out professional treatment and making lifestyle changes are essential. Although diabetes can be genetic, some of the main risk factors include being overweight, having high blood pressure, and living a sedentary lifestyle. Luckily, nearly all of these things can be avoided by making the following lifestyle changes:
- Consuming a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
- Avoiding eating too many artificial foods with high sugar content.
- Working towards maintaining a healthy weight.
- Performing moderately-intense physical activities for at least 150 minutes each week.
How We Can Help
If you are currently dealing with this diabetes or at risk, it is important that you do not go through it alone. Here at Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island, our team will work with you to ensure that you are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to mitigate the effects of this condition on your overall health and well being, including that of your heart. Ways in which we may help you include the following:
- Starting you on a diet that will counteract the adverse effects of diabetes.
- Providing you with beneficial nutraceuticals and supplements.
- Offering advice on any lifestyle changes that need to be made.
- Carefully monitoring your heart to ensure it is functioning at full capacity.
Contact Us
Diabetes is not something to be taken lightly. While many of us tend to think we are invincible and can eat, drink, and do whatever we want, that is simply not the case. By caring for your body and prioritizing your health, not only can you hopefully prevent diabetes, but you can prevent a host of other conditions and issues from arising as well. If you are currently living with diabetes or fear you are at risk for developing it, the team here at Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island is here to help you. We will work with you to create a holistic plan for healing, regardless of your condition. To learn more or to request a consultation, be sure to contact us today!