According to World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of people with diabetes rose from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. Prevalence has been rising more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.

WHO data shows, between 2000 and 2019, there was a 3 per cent increase in diabetes mortality rates by age. In 2019, diabetes and kidney disease due to diabetes caused an estimated 2 million deaths.

In a conversation with BW Healthcare World Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Head of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Max Healthcare- Pan-Max, Saket, New Delhi, revealed that diabetes and heart have very strong links with each other. If someone has diabetes it’s like a history of heart disease already. 

Dr. Mithal said that the risk of a heart attack in people with diabetes is significantly higher than the general people. “10 per cent to 20 per cent of people with type 2 diabetes may have elements of pump failure that is mild and moderate heart failure,” he added. 

While speaking on “Diabetes and Heart” Mithal informed that diabetes is not the only path leading to cardiac diseases, it has also partners in crime with diabetes, there is cholesterol problem that often happens, blood pressure problems, and often people are obese. All these add up to increased cardiac attacks. 

During the conversation, Mithal suggested some solutions to prevent cardiac attacks. According to him, people have to manage sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. And to manage general lifestyle measures including adequate exercise and proper sleep.