Heart Disease and Diabetes
Broadcast Dates: Monday, Feb. 4 – Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013
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February is Heart Month – and not just because of Valentine’s Day.
Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin Rodgers, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at NIH.
In the U.S., about 600,000 people die of heart disease each year, so this is a good time to think about your heart and learn what puts you at risk. For instance, did you know that having type 2 diabetes can increase your chances for developing heart disease?
The good news is that if you have type 2 diabetes, you can lower your risk for heart disease by taking these steps:
- Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol close to the target numbers you’ve set with your doctor.
- Choose healthy foods.
- Be physically active and reduce any extra fat around your waist.
- And if you smoke, stop!
To learn more about diabetes and heart health, follow us on Twitter @HealthyMoments. This is Dr. Griffin Rodgers with the NIH.
Page last updated: January 31, 2013
