Protecting your heart and managing diabetes: The power of a holistic lifestyle

Did you know that heart disease is a leading cause of around 17.9 million deaths worldwide per year?¹ If you have diabetes, your risk for heart problems such as heart disease and stroke is almost twice as high. But here’s the good news: a healthy lifestyle—eating right, staying active, managing stress, and keeping up with check-ups—can make a huge difference! ^1,2,3,4,5,6

Why holistic lifestyle matters

Adopting a “holistic lifestyle” approach isn’t just about one thing—it’s about keeping your heart health and blood sugar in check together. This means eating well, managing stress, staying active, and sticking to regular check-ups. A few healthy choices can go a long way in keeping you feeling your best. ^4,5

The link between diabetes and heart health
Diabetes isn’t just about blood sugar—it can also harm your heart health over time by damaging nerves and blood vessels. That’s why, if you have diabetes, keeping your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol in check is so important for protecting your heart.⁶ Moreover, extra weight, especially around your belly, increases the risk of both diabetes and heart disease, so a little attention here can go a long way! ^7,8

Eat smart: A heart-healthy diet for diabetes
Your diet can play a big role in managing both diabetes and heart health. Remember that a balanced diet filled with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, which means a lower risk of heart disease. Foods such as quinoa, brown rice, and oats are great for controlling blood sugar, and omega-3-rich foods such as salmon and healthy fats from avocados can also lower CVD incidences. Just a few simple changes to your meals can make a big difference.^9,10,11

Physical activity: Your best protection
Exercise is one of the easiest ways to keep your heart healthy and manage your blood sugar. It boosts blood flow, strengthens your heart, and helps you maintain a healthy weight—crucial for reducing the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association suggests 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, whether it’s walking, dancing, or even gardening. So, why not get moving today? Adding a bit of movement to your routine can make a big difference for your heart and blood sugar control! ^7,12,13
Stress management: For better heart health
Chronic stress is a sneaky factor that can increase your risk of both diabetes and heart disease. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can raise blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.¹⁴ But don’t worry! Simple techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing can help lower these levels, boost heart health, and improve blood sugar control. Take a deep breath and start managing stress today—it’s good for both your heart and your health! ^7,15Weight matters: To protect your heart and diabetes health
Taking care of your weight is important for both your heart and your blood sugar. Carrying extra weight, especially around your belly, can make it harder for your body to manage insulin and increases your risk of heart disease. But here’s the good news: losing just 5-10% of your body weight can really help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and better control your blood sugar. Start with small changes such as eating balanced meals, getting physical activity, and staying in touch with your doctor. Every little step you take makes a big difference in protecting your heart and managing diabetes! ^16,17

Regular health check-ups: A game-changer for your health
Regular check-ups are a must, especially if you have diabetes. They help keep track of important health markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and blood sugar. Catching any issues early can prevent serious heart problems down the road. Your doctor can create a personalised plan to address both your diabetes and heart health, making it easier to stay on top of your well-being. Don’t wait, just schedule your next checkup and take charge of your health today. ^{18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25}

Protect your heart and manage diabetes: Start today
Taking care of your heart and managing diabetes go hand in hand. Adopting holistic lifestyle approaches, including eating a heart-healthy diet, staying active, managing your weight, reducing stress, and seeing your doctor regularly, can lower your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health.⁶ It’s all about making simple choices that add up to big benefits! Prevention starts with you—take action today for a healthier tomorrow!

References:

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