Around 30% of people with Type 2 diabetes have cardiovascular disease (CVD). But that's just what's been diagnosed.
A new study shows that another one-third of adults in the U.S. with Type 2 diabetes may have symptomless or undetected CVD. That may explain why more than 70% of people with Type 2 diabetes die from cardiovascular causes.
One of the big culprits is high blood pressure. Around 66% of adults with diabetes have blood pressure greater than 130/80, or use prescription medications for high blood pressure.
The good news is you can reduce the risks of developing and dying from CVD if you have Type 2 diabetes by adopting intensive blood pressure control.
A study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that when participants aimed for a standard systolic (the upper number) blood pressure of 140, they were far more likely to experience a nonfatal stroke or heart attack, be hospitalized for heart failure, and die from CVD than the those aiming for a systolic number of 120.
So talk to your doctor about how to go low.
Other ways to reduce your CVD risk if you have diabetes include: Aim for a healthy weight; get 300 minutes of exercise weekly; aim for an A1C of 7% or lower; and reduce body-wide inflammation with a healthy plant-based diet.
For help controlling blood pressure, check out the information on Inspiratory Resistance Training (it's as effective as blood pressure medication) in "The Great Age Reboot."