Key Takeaways
People with Type 2 diabetes are at high risk for heart disease.
Lifestyle factors such as eating well, being active, and staying knowledgeable about your medical conditions may help reduce heart disease risk in people with Type 2 diabetes.
There is no specific diabetes diet, but there are several dietary patterns that may be helpful.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of illness for people with Type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle factors can help reduce the risk.1 The American Heart Association (AHA) released a new Scientific Statement with advice for mitigating the risk of heart disease for people with
Type 2 diabetes.2
“It is estimated that having diabetes can double the risk of heart disease or stroke,” says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, a dietitian, diabetes expert, and the author of “2 Day Diabetes Diet.” “In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes.”
10 Diet and Lifestyle Changes to Boost Heart Health
About the Scientific Statement
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes a variety of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease. The new statement from the AHA outlines updated research on managing heart disease risk factors, including new information about anti-hyperglycemic medications that can help improve glycemic control.2
There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help people with Type 2 diabetes manage cardiovascular disease risk factors, including nutrition, physical activity, limiting alcohol intake, increased education, and psychosocial care. In fact, the AHA statement shows that adults with type 2 diabetes who adhere to an overall healthy lifestyle have a significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
AHA provides new nutritional recommendations for improving heart health
Nutrition and Diet
There is no specific “diabetic diet” that helps everyone. Instead, a customized approach is important to reduce CVD risk. Proper nutrition is nutrition that is acceptable, affordable, and accessible while balancing medical needs and personal tastes. To be successful, you need to include a nutritionist in your care plan.
In fact, AHA states that different dietary patterns can help 2. These include Mediterranean, DASH, Paleo, Low Carb, High Protein, and Vegetarian options.
There is no diet for people with diabetes. You meet your health goals, but want to follow a diet plan that fits your lifestyle and allows you to actually stick. — Erin Palinski-Wade RD, CDE
“Not all diabetics have a diet,” says Palinski-Wade. “You want to follow a diet plan that not only fits your health goals, but also fits your lifestyle and you can really stick to.”
Palinski-Wade instead of trying to make extreme changes. , Says you can focus on small changes and stay consistent. As time passes. For example, she provides a set of tips that you can add over time. This includes putting non-starch vegetables in half of the plate with each meal to increase fiber intake, reduce additional sugar, and replace animal fats such as butter with more vegetable oils. increase.
“If you choose your diet
