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Diabetes and obesity increase risk of cardiovascular disease

Diabetes and obesity increase risk of cardiovascular disease

American Diabetes Association ) Congress that has been causing much discussion about the impact of weight loss on the health of patients with diabetes. > This study, called the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes), was conducted at 16 health centers in the United States, bringing together more than 5,000 overweight or obesity. Participants were divided into two groups: the former initiated intensive lifestyle changes (which included physical activities and weight loss) while in the other group the patients received only diet and physical activity guidelines. All patients were followed up for a mean period of 9.6 years. The aim of the study was to determine whether intensive changes in habits would actually reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. In the group that actually performed physical activity, patients lost more weight in the first year compared to the only guidance group ( 8.6% loss vs. 0.7%) and also maintained weight loss at the end of the study (6% vs. 3.5%). However, despite this difference in weight, there was no reduction in the number of infarcts, angina attacks or stroke in patients in the intensive group. This result was very surprising, as it was expected to confirm that weight loss would help reduce a person's chances of developing cardiovascular problems (in the heart and arteries).

One explanation for this result is that patients in both groups were using cholesterol-lowering medications (statins), and since these medications have the effect of protecting heart health, it could interfere with the results. Another important point is that prior to the start of the study, patients in the guideline group had a lower LDL than the group that actually made the proposed changes.

Another justification is that the loss should be maintained for longer periods for the cardiovascular benefit to occur. In the AHEAD Look, the weight difference between the groups was higher in the initial phase compared to the final phase. This means that the patients in the intensive group could not maintain the weight loss achieved, and this could also justify the unexpected results.

But we must also see the other side: that of the benefits. Patients in the intensive care group had a reduction in blood levels of diabetes, often needing to reduce medication, and there was also improvement in cases of sleep apnea, depression, mobility ... Finally, in the quality of life as a whole. > Relationship between diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease

Weight loss improves the health of diabetes patients as a whole - Photo Getty Images

When a large study of this size is released, information should be analyzed with caution. People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop heart problems because they have many factors that together affect heart and artery health such as: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a higher risk of atherosclerosis (which is the formation of fat plaques in the arteries.)

In patients with diabetes, high blood sugar levels will damage the small arteries, such as the retina and inside the kidneys, as well as large arteries such as the coronary arteries and the cerebral arteries. The result is that large arteries can accumulate plaques of fat inside them that make it difficult or even prevent the passage of blood. The result will depend on which artery was clogged: if it is in the heart there will be a heart attack, if it is in the brain, stroke.When a person gains weight, the fat levels in the body rise and the pressure can increase. These added factors make the obese person present greater risks of cardiovascular problems. Losing weight would then be a strategy to minimize risk, regardless of whether or not people have diabetes.

Adopt other good habits

In addition to weight loss, it is essential that we have healthier lifestyles, such as: , balanced diet, daily stress reduction, quit smoking and sleep about eight hours of sleep per night. It is the set of all these habits that will determine greater or lesser risk of developing heart problems in the future. It is no use, for example, for a person to be in the ideal weight, but to smoke two packs of cigarettes a day.

The use of correct heart protection medicines is another strategy to help reduce the risk of problems. Often there is family history, which is a person's genetic risk, for example having the lowest bad cholesterol, and in those cases treatment should be started as soon as possible. Medications work both to reduce cholesterol in the blood and also to reduce the inflammation that fat plaques cause inside the arteries. With less cholesterol and less inflammation, the risk of cardiovascular disease decreases.

In summary, everything works in an integrated way. Obesity has been recognized since 2001 by the American Heart Association (

American Heart Association

) as a modifiable risk factor for heart disease. Although weight loss alone in this research did not directly affect this aspect, weight reduction improves without doubt the quality of life of the person as a whole. Many times, improving nutrition and losing weight is the first step towards a healthier life.


A study of the University of Waterloo in Canada had more than 2,000 young people interviewed who reported accelerated and decompensated heartbeat.

A study of the University of Waterloo in Canada had more than 2,000 young people interviewed who reported accelerated and decompensated heartbeat.

Often the product is mixed with alcoholic beverages and this combination contributes even more to heart problems. And as not everyone knows whether or not you are more prone to heart problems, you better not risk it.

(Health)

Diabetes: 9 habits that help control (well) the disease on a daily basis

Diabetes: 9 habits that help control (well) the disease on a daily basis

Who has diabetes should keep an eye: If blood glucose rises above the expected level, there is a risk of various damage to the body, such as kidney complications, eye injuries and skin problems. The disease occurs precisely because of an increase in blood sugar, which occurs because the pancreas can not produce the hormone insulin enough for the body to function properly, or because insulin is resistant to proper action.

(Health)