Diabetes is a Major Risk Factor for Heart Disease and Strokes
The risk of cardiovascular disease for people living with diabetes can be minimized by controlling blood sugars, blood pressure, cholesterol and/or quitting smoking.
Your UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence care team can help address excess weight, obesity, low HDL cholesterol, elevated LDL cholesterol and/or high blood pressure.
High blood glucose levels over time gradually damage nerves and blood vessels. Women with diabetes are up to five times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than women without diabetes. African-American and Hispanic women have the highest incidence of diabetes, and consequently the highest risk of stroke or cardiovascular complications.