Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Glucose that stays high over time can contribute to changes in blood-vessel walls. Type 2 diabetes often occurs alongside high blood pressure or unhealthy cholesterol levels, which can add strain to the circulation. Cardiovascular disease includes problems affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary disease, heart failure and stroke.

A person may have cardiovascular disease without obvious warning symptoms. This is why routine checks of blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function, glucose and smoking status matter even when you feel well.

Take prescribed diabetes, blood-pressure or cholesterol medicines consistently and discuss side effects before stopping them. Choose regular activity suited to your fitness and feet, eat meals that emphasise vegetables, pulses, whole grains and suitable portions, and avoid tobacco. Keep a record of home readings if your clinician asks for them.

Ask whether your diabetes plan should include kidney and foot checks. Reduced circulation can contribute to peripheral arterial disease, while nerve damage may reduce awareness of foot injuries. These concerns are manageable when identified early.

Call emergency services for pressure or pain in the chest, severe breathlessness, collapse, or sudden weakness or numbness on one side. Sudden trouble speaking, understanding, walking or seeing may signal a stroke and requires immediate help. Arrange prompt review for new ankle swelling, breathlessness when lying down or a rapidly changing exercise tolerance.

Ask what your blood-pressure, cholesterol and glucose results mean together. Do I need an electrocardiogram or other heart assessment? Which activity is appropriate for me? How should I respond to chest symptoms or low glucose while taking my medicines?