Read up on Heart and circulation problems in diabetes treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Heart and circulation problems in diabetes

Key points about treatments

If you have diabetes, you have a higher risk than other people of getting heart and circulation problems. This can be worrying. There's no cure for diabetes. But there are good treatments that can help to lower your chance of getting these problems.

Taking medications to lower your blood pressure helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Taking medications called statins to lower the amount of cholesterol in your blood helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.
If you have type 1 diabetes, keeping your blood sugar levels close to normal may help to prevent heart and circulation problems.
If you are overweight and have type 2 diabetes, taking a drug called metformin may help to prevent heart attacks.
Aspirin helps to thin your blood, and doctors recommend it for many people with diabetes. But it may increase the risk of bleeding problems.
Doctors think quitting smoking helps lower your risk of strokes and heart attacks, whether or not you have diabetes.

This information was last updated on Mar 06, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional. The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.

Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.