How Diabetes Increases the Risk of Heart Disease in Women & Impacts Fertility

Introduction

Having diabetes increases the chances of having heart diseases. People with diabetes are more likely to have certain risk factors such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol that increase the chances of having a heart attack or a stroke. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke by almost twice, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The risk of diabetes during pregnancy is relatively high. This condition is usually termed gestational diabetes.

Usually, cardiovascular disease develops later in women than men. But that is not the case in pregnant women with diabetes. Due to changes in anatomy and hormones, they are more prone than men to acquire heart disease. In particular, premenopausal women with diabetes will not have the estrogen-based protection that normal women do.

Other Factors That Increase the Chances of Heart Disease in Diabetic Women

The two main diseases that typically raise the risk of heart disease are high blood sugar and high cholesterol. Other variables will increase your risk of heart disease or stroke earlier than anticipated if you have diabetes.

1. Smoking

If you have diabetes, you should quit smoking because both conditions narrow blood vessels. Smoking increases the risk of:

  • Heart disease
  • Lower leg infections
  • Ulcers
  • Lung disease
  • Foot or leg amputation
  • Other long-term issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease

2. Obesity or Belly Fat

Being fat or overweight raises the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease and can make diabetes more difficult to treat. Lower blood sugar levels and a decreased need for medication can be achieved by eating a balanced diet with fewer calories and maintaining an active lifestyle.

An excessive amount of abdominal fat can increase your risk of heart disease even if you are not overweight.

You may have excess belly fat if your waist size is:

  • Over 40 inches (for men)
  • Over 35 inches (for women)

3. Chronic Kidney Disease

Both kidney and heart diseases are closely connected with each other. The blood is not filtered properly when the kidney is damaged. A family history of renal failure and high blood pressure are additional important risk factors.

Get examined for kidney disease if you're at risk, and take precautions to keep your kidneys healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising, keeping your weight in check, and controlling diabetes and high blood pressure.

4. Heart Disease in the Family

You are more likely to get heart disease if it runs in your family. Your risk doubles if a close relative suffered a heart attack before turning 50. Although your family history cannot be changed, you may reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by controlling your diabetes and leading a healthy lifestyle.

How Diabetes Affects Fertility in Women

Ovulation issues and hormone imbalances impact women's fertility. However, blood sugar control and a healthy lifestyle will enhance reproductive health.

The following are some factors that impact diabetic women's fertility:

  • Irregular Menstrual Cycles
  • Ovulation Issues
  • Increased Miscarriage Risk
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Lower Egg Quality
  • Higher Risk of Pregnancy Complications

The above symptoms can be taken care of by consulting a specialist. Reach out to your nearest fertility hospital in Bangalore to have expert guidance on how to control the factors that impact fertility in diabetic women.

Managing Diabetes for Better Heart and Reproductive Health

Keeping diabetes under control will lower the heart disease risk and also improve fertility. Here are some tips to manage diabetes in order to have better heart and reproductive health:

  • Keeping Blood Sugar Levels Under Control – Maintain glucose levels in a healthy range with diet, exercise, and medication.
  • Have a Healthy Diet – Include fiber-rich foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats and reduce sugar intake.
  • Exercise Regularly – 30 minutes of moderate exercises like walking and yoga is advisable.
  • Managing Stress – Keep stress under control by doing meditation, deep breathing, or therapy as chronic stress increases blood sugar and heart disease risk.
  • Maintain Weight – Maintaining your weight can regulate hormones and improve fertility and heart health.
  • Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Consumption – Tobacco intake in any form and excessive alcohol intake makes diabetes complications worse.
  • Regular Health Check-Ups – Taking regular health check-ups can detect problems like cholesterol, blood pressure, and reproductive health early, which will help in detecting diabetes at an early stage and taking measures accordingly.