This New Year explore the ABCD of diabetes

Did you know that diabetes and heart health come down to a few key factors? Interestingly, it is also easier to remember them with the acronym ABCD: A1C, Body Weight, Cardiovascular Health, and Duration of Diabetes. These four elements play a huge role in your overall health, especially when excess weight is in the picture. Let’s dive into how excess weight can impact your heart health if you have diabetes and why it’s important to manage these areas. ^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8}

A1C – the blood sugar marker
A1C is a key test for tracking blood sugar control, especially if you have diabetes. Excess weight can make it harder to keep your A1C in check, but here’s the good news—losing just a little weight can help lower your A1C and reduce heart risks.¹ If you’re working on managing your blood sugar (testing once in four-to-six months), weight loss could make a big difference for your heart too. Consult your doctor along with a dietician to keep your values on track. Remember, every step counts! ^2,3

Body weight – a key factor for heart health
Next, let’s talk about B for body weight. Extra weight, especially around your waist, can stress your heart and make managing diabetes tougher. Excess weight is a major risk factor for both heart disease and diabetes, and when you have diabetes, being overweight makes it even harder to stay healthy.⁴

Why does weight matter? Belly fat leads to insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to manage blood sugar and putting extra pressure on your heart—raising the risk of heart disease. However, here’s the bright side: losing just 5-10% of your body weight can improve both your heart and blood sugar.¹ Small changes such as eating healthier and staying active can help you shed pounds and feel your best! ^5,6

Cardiovascular health – why it matters even more with diabetes and excess weight
Let’s talk about your heart. Remember that the combination of excess weight and uncontrolled diabetes can stress it out. Together, they raise your chances of heart problems, including heart disease and strokes. High blood sugar damages blood vessels, and extra weight makes it worse. Excess weight also increases blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation—all conditions that harm your heart. Your heart will thank you if you take care of the following: weight management, blood sugar control, and sticking to healthy habits. ^7,8

Duration of diabetes – the longer you have it, the greater the risk
Let’s wrap up with D for duration of diabetes. The longer one is living with diabetes, the higher the chances of developing complications, including heart problems. When you add excess weight into the mix, it makes everything worse. If diabetes isn’t well-controlled, it can start to damage your heart and blood vessels at an early age, making it harder for them to handle the extra pressure. Therefore, the sooner you manage your blood sugar and weight, the better you protect your heart. So, don’t wait—take action today and give your heart the care it deserves! ^9,10

What can you do?

Here’s the good news: you can take action today to protect both your heart and overall health:

1. Work on your weight: Even a small amount of weight loss just 5-10% can make a big difference. Focus on healthy eating, staying active, and setting achievable goals. ^10,11
   
   
2. Keep track of your A1C: Regular checkups with your healthcare provider along with tailored treatment plan can help you stay on top of your blood sugar and make adjustments as needed.^2,3,12
   
   
3. Prioritise heart health: Make heart-healthy choices such as eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week to keep your heart strong. ^13,14
   
   
4. Act now: If you’re struggling with diabetes and excess weight, don’t wait; seek help from your doctors and go for regular check-ups. The longer you wait, the greater the risk. Small changes now can make a big impact on your health! ^12,15

By focusing on the ABCD of managing diabetes and protecting your heart, you can reduce your risk of heart disease and lead a healthier life. Start with small changes—losing weight, improving blood sugar control, exercising regularly, and going for regular check-ups and periodic consultations with your doctor.

The effort you put in now can make a world of difference for your heart and overall health.

Don’t wait—take control of your health today, and set yourself up for a healthier tomorrow!

Reference:

1. Brown JD, Buscemi J, Milsom V, Malcolm R, O’Neil PM. Effects on cardiovascular risk factors of weight losses limited to 5-10. Transl Behav Med. 2016 Sep;6(3):339-46.
2. High A1C Levels? Why You May Need an EKG or Echocardiogram. Available at Link. Accessed on 10 Nov 2024.
3. The Medical Minute: Consider your A1C levels to monitor heart health. Available at Link. Accessed on 10 Nov 2024.
4. Powell-Wiley TM, Poirier P, Burke LE, Després JP, Gordon-Larsen P, Lavie CJ, et al. Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2021 May 25;143(21):e984-e1010.
5. Diabetes, Heart Disease, & Stroke. Available at Link. Accessed on 10 Nov 2024.
6. How Does Weight Affect Your Heart? Available at Link. Accessed on 10 Nov 2024.
7. Diabetes and heart disease: What is the connection? Available at Link. Accessed on 10 Nov 2024.
8. Good to Know: Diabetes and Heart Disease. Clin Diabetes. 2018 Oct;36(4):325-326.
9. de Jong M, Woodward M, Peters SAE. Duration of diabetes and the risk of major cardiovascular events in women and men: A prospective cohort study of UK Biobank participants. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2022 Jun;188:109899.
10. Yao X, Zhang J, Zhang X, Jiang T, Zhang Y, Dai F, Hu H, Zhang Q. Age at diagnosis, diabetes duration and the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 May 8;14:1131395.
11. Colberg SR, Sigal RJ, Yardley JE, Riddell MC, Dunstan DW, Dempsey PC, Horton ES, Castorino K, Tate DF. Physical Activity/Exercise and Diabetes: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care. 2016 Nov;39(11):2065-2079.
12. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Summary of Revisions: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025. Diabetes Care. 2025 Jan 1;48(1 Suppl 1):S6-S13.
13. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025. Diabetes Care. 2025 Jan 1;48(Supplement_1):S86-S127.
14. The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations. Available at Link. Accessed on 10 Nov 2024.
15. Diabetes. Available at. Link. Accessed on 10 Nov 2024.
    
    

Disclaimer: This content is part of a disease awareness initiative by Novo Nordisk. The opinions and views are that of the Healthcare Professionals. The news and editorial staff of ET had no role in the creation of this article nor vouch for or endorse any of its content. While the content on this site provides general information about health and wellbeing. It is not intended as medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you need help getting your health under control, we recommend speaking to your doctor.