Heart health and diabetes: understanding the connection

Diabetes can affect many parts of the body, including the heart and blood vessels.

People living with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which includes conditions like heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. But this risk isn’t a certainty, and there’s a lot you can do to protect your heart.

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a blanket term for various conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. These conditions include:

coronary heart disease
stroke
heart failure
peripheral vascular disease

In Australia, over 4.5 million people, or almost 18% of the population, live with some form of CVD.

Cardiovascular disease and diabetes

Diabetes, particularly type 2, does increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. High blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. People with diabetes are up to four times more likely to develop heart disease or suffer a stroke.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in Australia. It often occurs alongside other health conditions such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, and overweight or obesity, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

While lifestyle factors can play a role, type 2 diabetes is a complex condition influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cardiovascular disease can vary depending on the condition but may include any one or a combination of the following:

Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Irregular heartbeat
Swelling in the legs or abdomen
Dizziness or fainting

For people with diabetes, symptoms may be less noticeable due to nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy). This is why it’s so important to make regular check-ups a priority.

Minimising your risk

Managing both diabetes and the development of cardiovascular disease involves a thorough approach. There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of developing CVD. Some of these include:

Maintain a healthy diet
Increase physical activity
Quit smoking
Maintain a healthy weight

For more ways to reduce the risk of CVD, see the Life! website.

If you’re not living with diabetes but have an increased risk of developing CVD, take the health check and, if eligible, join the Life! program today.

Medication

Blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medications, along with glucose-lowering drugs, are often prescribed.

Monitoring

Regular blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol checks are essential and should be implemented as part of your annual cycle of care.

Team care arrangements

Coordinated care between GPs, endocrinologists, cardiologists, and diabetes educators can improve health outcomes for people at risk of developing or managing CVD alongside diabetes.

Find out more about Team Care Arrangements and how the Diabetes Victoria Clinic can help you.

Support

Australians living with diabetes and heart disease can access a range of support services:

Diabetes Victoria offers education, peer support, and advocacy as well as professional assistance through the Diabetes Victoria Clinic.
The Heart Foundation provides resources on heart health, risk assessments, and lifestyle programs.
My Health Record enables better coordination of care across healthcare providers.