Journal of Diabetes Research and Management

Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Stroke

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A cardiac attack or stroke is substantially more likely to strike individuals with diabetes than those without the disease. Diabetes-related high blood glucose may damage the blood vessels and the neurons that regulate the activities of the heart and arteries. These risks are further increased when a person smokes, has high blood pressure, or has elevated cholesterol. Being obese and overweight also exacerbates the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, making diabetes control more challenging.