Diabetes Week 2025

How Diabetes Week Sheds Light on Heart Health: What You Need to Know

During Diabetes Week, it's vital to highlight the connection between diabetes and heart disease. Learn how managing blood sugar can protect your heart health.

As we mark Diabetes Week, it's more than just a time to raise awareness about blood sugar management — it's also a critical opportunity to spotlight the connection between diabetes and heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes, making education and prevention more urgent than ever.

In this blog, we’ll explore why heart health should be a top priority during Diabetes Week, the risks involved, and how small lifestyle changes can make a big impact.

The Link Between Diabetes and Heart Disease

People with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke compared to those without. This is largely due to how high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart.

Key risk factors include:

• High blood pressure

• High LDL ("bad") cholesterol

• Obesity

• Physical inactivity

• Smoking

When these are paired with diabetes, the risk to your cardiovascular system multiplies.

Why Diabetes Week Is the Perfect Time to Prioritize Heart Health

Diabetes Week (June 10–16, 2025) is all about increasing awareness and supporting those living with diabetes. But it's also a reminder of how crucial it is to take a holistic approach to health — and that means looking beyond blood sugar.

Use this week to:

• Schedule a heart health checkup

• Learn your ABC numbers: A1C, Blood pressure, and Cholesterol

• Talk to your doctor about a heart-healthy diabetes management plan

  
  

How to Protect Your Heart When You Have Diabetes

Here are 5 practical ways to support both blood sugar control and cardiovascular health:

1. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet Focus on fiber-rich foods, healthy fats (like omega-3s), lean protein, and low glycemic-index carbohydrates.

2. Stay Active Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Walking, swimming, or biking can boost heart health and improve insulin sensitivity.

3. Quit Smoking Smoking increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people with diabetes.

4. Manage Stress Chronic stress can affect blood pressure and blood sugar. Mindfulness, yoga, and therapy are excellent tools.

5. Take Medications as Prescribed Whether it’s metformin or statins, follow your provider’s advice to reduce both blood sugar and heart disease risk.

   
   

Final Thoughts: A Unified Approach to Wellness

Diabetes Week is more than a campaign — it’s a call to action. Understanding the strong connection between diabetes and heart disease is essential for long-term wellness. By managing your diabetes with heart health in mind, you’re taking a powerful step toward a longer, healthier life.