As heart failure cases continue to rise, people living with diabetes face an especially elevated risk. This article breaks down why diabetes and heart failure are so closely linked, and the steps you can take right now to strengthen and protect your heart.

🫀 What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure happens when the heart can’t pump blood as well as it should. When this occurs, fluid can build up in the body and lead to symptoms like swelling and shortness of breath. Unlike a heart attack, which happens suddenly, heart failure usually develops slowly as the heart becomes weak or too stiff to work properly.

Common Causes:

  • Chronic high blood pressure
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Type 2 diabetes 
  • Metabolic syndrome (classified as having 2 of the following plus abdominal obesity)
    • High triglycerides
    • Low LDL cholesterol
    • Hypertension (HTN)
    • High fasting blood sugar
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Aging 
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol or drug use
  • Dietary habits 
  • Physical inactivity

Common Symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Reduced ability to exercise
  • Weakness

🫀 How is Diabetes Linked to Heart Failure?

Chronic inflammation and progressive blood vessel damage, resulting from persistently high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), are interconnected ways that diabetes contributes to heart failure by progressively weakening the heart. Many people with diabetes also experience conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, all of which place additional stress on the cardiovascular system.

🫀 Management of Heart Failure in Diabetes

Lifestyle Habits:

  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol use → both can worsen heart failure symptoms and overall heart health
  • Monitor fluid and salt intake → especially if you struggle with fluid retention

Nutrition: always take into account personal needs, cultural preferences, medications, and other health conditions when making nutrition choices!

  • Make food choices that are lower in energy density
  • Prioritize vegetables, moderate fruit intake, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, and healthy oils
  • DASH or Mediterranean-style eating patterns are great options to support your heart health

Exercise and Weight Loss:

  • Regular aerobic exercise is beneficial for heart health. Here are some examples: walking, light jogging, cycling, swimming
  • Weight loss provides major heart benefits for people with diabetes → ultimately reducing the risk of heart failure!

Medications:

  • Consistent and correct use of your medications is important!
  • Report side effects of medications to your provider and healthcare team, especially swelling of the lower legs. Some common diabetes medications, like pioglitazone, should not be used in those with heart failure.
  • Ask your health care team questions about your medications → you are more likely to take your medications when you know how they are benefiting you!
Summary

Heart failure is becoming more common, especially in those with diabetes. The good news is that early detection, lifestyle changes, and medicines can help slow the progression and improve the quality of life. Understanding the warning signs and knowing how diabetes can contribute to your heart health can empower individuals to take control of their health and reduce long-term risks.