About this topic
Diabetes is an illness where the bodys blood sugar level is too high. If your blood sugar stays high for a long time, there will be damage to nerves and blood vessels. This damage makes people with diabetes have a higher risk for having heart disease and stroke. ‚
A person with diabetes may not have the usual signs of chest pain, but rather they may have vague signs. Some of these signs include: ‚
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Heartburn
- Upset stomach
- Throwing up
- Dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Cold sweats
- Problems sleeping
If you feel any of these signs, it is important to call an ambulance to take you to the ER. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Avoid activities that make you tired. Get lots of rest or sleep when you feel tired.
- Avoid situations that can make you angry or stressed.
- Your doctor may give you drugs to treat your heart disease.
- You may be given a drug to treat any chest pain or other signs that you have.
- Take your drugs as directed by your doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your condition needs to be watched closely. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need to have other tests.
- You doctor may want you to see a heart doctor or cardiologist. You may also need to have rehab to get your strength back.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower blood pressure
- Prevent or break up blood clots
- Control your heartbeat
- Lower cholesterol
- Help with pain
- Help you relax
Will physical activity be limited?
Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. You may have to limit activities for a short while and then slowly increase them to normal levels. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. Ask to see a dietitian for help with a plan that is right for you. In general, eating healthy means: ‚
- Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Choose many different fruits and veggies. Fresh or frozen is best.
- Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
- Eat more low-fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey. Eat less beef and pork.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Avoid caffeine.
- Stay on your diabetic diet. To help control your blood sugar levels, dont eat sweet and sugary foods.
What problems could happen?
- Heart attack
- Weakened heart muscle
- Abnormal heart beats
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- It is important to keep the following values within a normal range:
- Blood pressure
- A1C less than 7%
- Cholesterol
- Blood sugar
- Weight
- Make sure you take all your drugs as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking your diabetes drugs unless your doctor tells you to. Check your blood sugar levels at home.
- Lose weight if you are overweight.
- Learn ways to relax and reduce stress.
- Check your blood pressure at home if it is high and you are on blood pressure drugs.
- Walk as much as you can. This may help keep your blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight controlled.
- Stop smoking! Smoking damages blood vessels. You are 3 times more likely to have heart problems if you smoke and have diabetes.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
Call your doctor if: ‚
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what situations and activities I should avoid.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a heart attack or stroke.
Where can I learn more?
American Diabetes Association ‚
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/mens-health/serious-health-implications/abcs-of-heart-disease.html ‚
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/stroke/#connection ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/dhd/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚