Diabetes
People with
diabetes have high blood glucose (often called blood sugar). People with high blood sugar often have no symptoms, so have your blood sugar checked regularly. Having diabetes raises your chances of getting
cardiovascular disease. If you have diabetes, your doctor will decide if you need medicine, such as pills or insulin shots. Your doctor can also help you make a healthy eating plan
(see Diabetic Diet) and exercise plan
(see Diabetes and Exercise).
Cholesterol
Several studies have looked at the effects of
cholesterol treatment to prevent cardiovascular disease. These cholesterol research studies have shown that the progress of cardiovascular disease may be stopped by
reducing cholesterol. In some cases, it may even be reversed. This results in fewer people developing and dying from cardiovascular disease. It also lowers the number of people with cardiovascular disease who have another
heart attack or
stroke or die from
heart disease or stroke.
For good cardiovascular health, you should have your blood cholesterol and
triglyceride levels checked (through a lipid panel test) at least once every 5 years. If your triglyceride or
cholesterol levels are high, talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower them. You may be able to
lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels by eating better
(see Low Cholesterol Diet) and exercising more
(see Exercise and Cholesterol). Your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower cholesterol.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print