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experts decode the link to Diabetes and heart disease

With 67.8 million people, India accounts for the second-highest diabetic population in the world. The country also has a CVD death rate of 272 per 100000 population which is higher than the global average of 235. 

The number raises an alarming situation, and in the past few years, researchers have also suggested a strong link between heart diseases and diabetes.

Dr Jasjeet Singh Wasir, Diabetologist, Medanta states, “People are moving towards urbanization, eating habits are changing towards more calorie-dense food, which increases the risk of diabetes. Very importantly India is a young country and diabetes is afflicting the young population in their prime years.”

On the correlation of diabetes and heart disease, Dr Tilak Suvarna, Asian Heart Institute, states, “There is increased production of cholesterol and triglycerides as a result of insulin resistance in diabetes, leading to atherosclerosis and narrowing of the heart arteries.”

He adds, “Diabetes can also impair heart cell structure and function, leading to an enlarged heart and reduced heart pumping function, a condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. This condition eventually leads to heart failure. Simple lifestyle measures like regular exercise, a healthy diet can be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes and CVD.” 

With changing eating habits, less physical activities, and increasing stress the number of diabetic patients is increasing in India, affecting them at an early age. It is important to make people aware about getting regular check-ups to keep India away from being the Diabetic and Heart capital of the world.  And when diagnosed with diabetes, keep making regular visits to the doctor, to maintain optimal weight, keep BP, cholesterol in control and follow a healthy lifestyle which will prove beneficial for any chance of developing heart disease.

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