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Cardiovascular Conditions and Type 2 Diabetes


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It is common for people with high blood pressure and abnormal lipid levels to also have type 2 diabetes.

This video will show how having all of these conditions can affect your health, and what you can do to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.

If you have high blood pressure, it means the force of the blood pushing on the walls of your blood vessels is too high.

Your heart has to work harder when your blood pressure is high.

Some people with high blood pressure develop type 2 diabetes.

If you have abnormal levels of lipids in your blood, it may mean you have too much LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol.

Or, it may it may mean you don’t have enough HDL cholesterol, also known as “good” cholesterol.

Or, your triglyceride level, also known as the "fat" in the blood, may be too high.

You may have more than one of these lipid abnormalities at the same time.

People with abnormal lipid levels have a higher rate of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where your blood glucose, or blood sugar, is elevated.

Over time, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels of your heart and other organs, leading to other health problems.

Having high blood pressure, abnormal lipid levels, and type 2 diabetes can affect you in many ways.

You will have a higher risk for other serious health problems, such as a coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and even death.

You may need help taking care of yourself.

You may also need to take more medications.

Living with these conditions may cause depression.

The good news is that there are things you can do to help lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

For example, you may need to make changes to your lifestyle.

If you smoke, get the help you need to quit.

Maintain or get to a healthy weight.

Follow a healthy eating plan, including low fat and low sodium foods.

And, work with your healthcare provider to determine the right amount of physical activity for you.

Make sure you work with your healthcare provider to control your blood pressure and lipid levels.

This includes taking medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Following the treatment plan you and your healthcare provider discussed will help you feel better and reduce your risk of getting type 2 diabetes.