Cause 6. Diabetes: A Sweet Problem
Next on our list of heart disease causes is a condition known for its sweet problem – diabetes. Characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, diabetes is a prominent risk factor for heart disease.
High blood sugar levels, over time, can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart. This damage enhances the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Moreover, people with diabetes often have other conditions that increase heart disease risk, such as high blood pressure and obesity. They may also have high levels of triglycerides and low levels of ‘good’ cholesterol, further contributing to heart disease risk.
Importantly, type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to obesity and physical inactivity, is particularly associated with heart disease, pointing to the interconnectedness of these risk factors.
Thus, diabetes, especially when combined with other risk factors, poses a significant threat to heart health. (6)
