Statistics says 2 out of 3 people with diabetes die from heart disease and stroke. However, it can be preventable by managing blood-glucose level near normal, at most of the time.
Atherosclerosis by high blood-glucose
High blood-glucose levels over time can lead to increased deposits of fatty materials on the insides of the blood vessel walls. These deposits may affect blood flow, increasing the chance of clogging and hardening of blood vessels (atherosclerosis).
Heart disease, heart attack, stroke chances for diabetes
Having diabetes means that you are much more likely to have a coronary artery (heart) disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. The good news is that you can take steps to prevent heart disease or reduce your chances of having another heart attack. Lifestyle changes, such as choosing foods wisely and being physically active, as well as taking medication can help.
For diabetes, the chances of getting heart disease or a stroke are at least twice as likely as someone who is non-diabetes. In addition, people with diabetes have more chances to develop heart disease or have strokes at an earlier age than other people.
Some studies suggest that if you are middle-aged and have type 2 diabetes, then your chance of having a heart attack is as high as someone non-diabetes that has already had one heart attack.
People with diabetes who already had one heart attack are at even greater risk of having a second one. Additionally, heart attacks in people with diabetes are more serious and likely to result in death.