Diabetes, heart problems and kidney disease are closely linked: What to know about their shared risk factors
Discover the intricate connection between diabetes, heart issues, and kidney disease by exploring their shared risk factors. Understanding these interrelated conditions can empower you to take proactive steps towards better health and wellness.
Indeed, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease are prevalent chronic illnesses in the United States, and their interconnections are significant.
For instance, adults with diabetes face twice the risk of developing heart disease or experiencing a stroke compared to those without diabetes. Furthermore, individuals with diabetes, whether Type 1 or Type 2, are also susceptible to kidney disease. When kidneys function poorly, the heart compensates by pumping blood harder, potentially leading to heart disease down the line. These intertwined conditions underscore the importance of holistic healthcare approaches that address all aspects of a person’s well-being.
A recent development in healthcare terminology, the American Heart Association introduced the term Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome (CKM syndrome) last year. This term encompasses patients who exhibit two or more of these conditions or are at risk of developing them. A new study indicates that nearly 90% of American adults already display early indicators of these interconnected ailments.
Although only 15% of Americans meet the criteria for advanced CKM syndrome, which includes diagnoses of diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease or being at high risk of developing them, the numbers are significantly higher than expected. Dr. Rahul Aggarwal, a cardiology fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and a study co-author, noted that these numbers are “astronomically higher than expected.”
The study underscores the importance of recognizing shared risk factors for these diseases early on. These factors include excess body fat, uncontrolled blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Being mindful of these indicators can help individuals take proactive steps towards managing their health and reducing the risk of developing these conditions.
Diabetes, heart problems, and kidney disease often share common risk factors, highlighting the interconnected nature of these conditions. Understanding these shared risk factors is crucial for managing and preventing these health issues effectively.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Elevated blood pressure is a significant risk factor for both heart disease and kidney disease. It can also contribute to insulin resistance, a key factor in type 2 diabetes.
- High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia): High levels of glucose in the blood, a hallmark of diabetes, can damage blood vessels over time. This damage increases the risk of heart disease and kidney problems.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese is a common risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease. Excess weight puts strain on the heart and can lead to insulin resistance.
- Unhealthy Diet: Diets high in processed foods, sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium can contribute to diabetes, heart issues, and kidney problems. A diet low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is associated with a higher risk of these conditions.
- Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular exercise is linked to obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and poor cardiovascular health, all of which are risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.
- Smoking: Tobacco use is a major risk factor for heart disease and can also contribute to kidney damage. Smoking is also linked to insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Genetics and Family History: A family history of diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease can increase an individual’s risk of developing these conditions. Genetic factors can also play a role in how the body handles glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
- Age and Gender: Advancing age is a risk factor for all three conditions, with the risk increasing as people get older. Men are generally at a higher risk of heart disease, while women with diabetes have a higher risk of heart attacks than men with diabetes.
Managing these shared risk factors through lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and managing stress can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes, heart problems, and kidney disease. Regular medical check-ups, monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, and following a healthcare provider’s recommendations are also crucial for early detection and management of these conditions.
