Why is diabetes a risk factor for atherosclerosis?

Why is diabetes a risk factor for atherosclerosis?

Prolonged exposure to hyperglycemia is now recognized a major factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in diabetes. Hyperglycemia induces a large number of alterations at the cellular level of vascular tissue that potentially accelerate the atherosclerotic process.

What are the dietary risk factors for atherosclerosis?

Your diet is an especially important factor in your risk for atherosclerosis, and heart disease generally….Sources of fat to avoid include:

• Butter.
• Lard.
• Bacon fat.
• Cream and cream-based sauces.
• Nondairy creamers.
• Vegetable shortening.
• Margarine made with hydrogenated oils.
• Palm, palm kernel, coconut, and cottonseed oils (1,5)

Does diabetes cause atherosclerosis?

Diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis appear to be connected through several pathological pathways. Increased risk and accelerated development of atherosclerosis have been shown in studies on diabetic patients.

Does blood thicken with diabetes?

High blood sugar levels can actually change your blood’s consistency, according to Health.com. The excess sugar could cause your blood to be less runny and more of a thick, viscous consistency. As a result, your extremities might get numb and certain organs may suffer because blood isn’t easily flowing to them.

What is the main cause of atherosclerosis?

Key points of atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. Risk factors may include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical activity, and eating saturated fats.

What are the four most important treatable risk factors for atherosclerosis?

These conditions are known as risk factors and a person’s chances of developing atherosclerosis increase with the number of risk factors they have – most risk factors can be controlled and atherosclerosis can be prevented or delayed – these include high Cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood, low …

Does stress cause atherosclerosis?

Research indicates that chronic psychological stress can increase the risk of atherosclerotic diseases, including strokes and heart attacks. Chronic stress is pervasive during negative life events and can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries (AS).

Why do diabetics have silent heart attacks?

When it comes to silent heart attacks, diabetics are particularly susceptible for a couple of reasons: Higher Risk of Heart Disease – Diabetic patients are at an increased risk of silent heart attack in large part because the condition has already put their heart in a more precarious position overall.

How do I know if my diabetes is getting worse?

Tingling, pain, or numbness in your hands or feet. Stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. A lot of bladder infections or trouble emptying your bladder. Problems getting or keeping an erection.

Can drinking a lot of water lower your blood sugar?

Drink water and stay hydrated One observational study showed that those who drank more water had a lower risk for developing high blood sugar levels ( 16 ). Drinking water regularly helps rehydrate the blood, lowers blood sugar levels, and could reduce diabetes risk ( 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ).

How does an unhealthy diet increase the risk of atherosclerosis?

Unhealthy diet. An unhealthy diet can raise your risk for atherosclerosis. Foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and sugar can worsen other atherosclerosis risk factors. Older age. As you get older, your risk for atherosclerosis increases.

What foods should you eat to prevent atherosclerosis?

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet. Your diet is an especially important factor in your risk for atherosclerosis, and heart disease generally. A heart-healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats and poultry, low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes (dried beans and peas).

How does diabetes increase the risk of atherosclerosis?

The result may be a heart attack or brain damage. Doctors call this condition atherosclerosis – where the arteries narrow down or get clogged completely by cholesterol. Diabetes increases the risk of atherosclerosis. About 65 percent of people who die of atherosclerosis have diabetes.

What can you do to prevent atherosclerosis and heart disease?

If you smoke or use tobacco in another form, talk to your doctor about coming up with a strategy to effectively quit. Your diet is an especially important factor in your risk for atherosclerosis, and heart disease generally.