Patients with diabetes can take many steps to decrease the likelihood of developing heart conditions. The most important measures include controlling glucose (blood sugar), blood pressure and cholesterol.

Keeping these factors in healthy ranges can dramatically lower the risk of developing diabetic heart conditions. The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) recommends the following readings for individuals with diabetes:

• Hemoglobin A1C level (measure of glucose control): Less than 7 percent
  
  
• Blood pressure: Less than 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm/Hg)
  
  
• LDL ("bad") cholesterol: Less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)

Maintaining healthy levels of these factors also reduces the risk of other diabetic complications, such as kidney disease and diabetic retinopathy (eye disease).

Other steps that can be taken include:

• Scheduling regular checkups. Heart conditions can usually be treated far more effectively when they are caught early. Physicians can monitor blood pressure and use blood tests to measure fat and cholesterol levels.
  
  
• Losing excess weight. Those who are overweight should shed pounds to reduce stress on the heart, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
  
  
• Exercise. Regular physical activity can help people lose weight, improve glucose control, and improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Patients should consult their physician before beginning an exercise program.
  
  
• Diet. Eating nutritious meals is essential to preventing heart conditions. Fiber-rich, minimally processed plant foods and monounsaturated fats such as olive oil and salmon can benefit the heart. Saturated fats and artificial trans fats are harmful. A registered dietitian can help diabetic individuals develop a lifetime eating plan that will work for them.
  
  
• Not smoking. Smoking doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease for patients with diabetes.
  
  
• Having good dental care. Recent research adds evidence to the connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.
  
  
• Taking medications as prescribed by a physician.
  
  
• Asking a physician about use of alcohol. Research has found some cardiovascular benefits in moderate use of red wine or other alcohol. However, alcohol can interfere with control of glucose, and excessive drinking can cause many health problems. Diabetic patients are advised to ask their physician how much alcohol, if any, they may drink.
  
  
• Considering preventive medication. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes who have risk factors for, but no signs of, cardiovascular disease. Some physicians routinely recommend statin drugs for most diabetic patients. In addition, patients may wish to ask their physician about the benefits and risks of aspirin therapy to help prevent heart disease.