Healthy habits for heart disease and diabetes
Cardiovascular disease is a major healthcare issue globally. In the U.S. alone, heart disease led to approximately $363 billion in healthcare costs between 2016 and 2017. In honor of American Heart Month, we’re spreading awareness to people who may be at-risk – like those who have diabetes and prediabetes.
Kindred spirits
Not only is diabetes a risk factor for heart disease on its own, but people with diabetes, prediabetes, and heart disease may also share multiple risk factors based on lifestyle. These include bad habits and characteristics like smoking, excessive alcohol use, an unhealthy diet, limited exercise, and being overweight. Fortunately, both heart disease and prediabetes also share similar outcomes based on good habits – and a healthy diet, weight, and exercise routine can go a long way.
Looking to make a change? It’s always a good idea to remember your ABCs (A1c, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking cessation)! Here are a few heart-healthy resources:
The Silent killer
People with high blood pressure, or hypertension, don’t always show symptoms. In fact, about a third of U.S. patients who have it don’t realize it. This is an even bigger concern for those with diabetes or prediabetes, as roughly 60% of them also have high blood pressure. Untreated hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, so it’s important to get diagnosed and learn to manage these diseases quickly. For example, limiting salt in your diet can be beneficial. Take this sodium quiz to test your knowledge!
Continue to practice and educate yourself on healthy habits to prevent diabetes and reduce your risk of heart disease. You can start by checking out this tip sheet from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, which offers 28 days of heart-healthy activities.
To learn more about this program and how it could help you or one of your patients, email us at preventdiabetes@trhc.com.
We’ve partnered with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to offer the National Diabetes Prevention Program. This program includes both telehealth and digital care services, including video and online programming. Visit Prevent Diabetes [link to MWHC’s prevent diabetes page] for more information. You can also contact us at 1-844-326-3043 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., MST, Monday through Friday, or email us at preventdiabetes@trhc.com. The National Diabetes Prevention Program is offered by Tabula Rasa HealthCare and the APhA Foundation and is funded by the CDC.
**Please do not send personal health information to preventdiabetes@trhc.com. We take your confidentiality seriously.**
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