February is American Heart Month, and if you or your child are living with diabetes, it’s an important time to learn how this condition affects heart health. The connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease is stronger than most people realize, but small steps can go a long way in protecting your heart.
Whether you’re managing diabetes yourself or caring for a child with Type 1 or insulin-dependent Type 2, here’s what to know, and how UroStat can help.
How Diabetes Affects Your Heart
You may not feel it day to day, but diabetes puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels over time. In fact, adults with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to those without it, according to the CDC.
Here’s why:
- High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that help control your heart
- Diabetes often leads to high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both major heart disease risk factors
- Inflammation caused by diabetes can speed up artery damage
- Weight gain and insulin resistance can further strain the heart
Even if your blood sugar is mostly well-managed, these factors can still add up over time, especially without regular heart-focused care.
Know the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
If you or someone you love has diabetes, it’s especially important to recognize heart attack symptoms early. Call 911 or emergency services right away if you notice:
- Chest pain, tightness, or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulders, or back
- Sudden fatigue or weakness
- Nausea, vomiting, or lightheadedness
Important: Some people with diabetes may have silent heart attacks or symptoms that don’t feel “classic.” Don’t ignore unusual fatigue or discomfort – trust your gut and get checked.
5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Heart (Even With Diabetes)
The good news is that you can take steps to lower your risk and strengthen your heart. Here are five things you can start doing today to support your heart and blood sugar, one step at a time. These tips work for adults, teens, and even kids with diabetes:
1. Focus on Heart-Healthy Foods
We know you have heard this time and again, but it’s repeated for a reason. Food has such a major impact on our overall well-being, so fill your plate with fiber-rich vegetables (like spinach, carrots, broccoli), lean proteins (like chicken, fish, or even tofu), whole grains (like oats, brown rice, or quinoa), and healthy fats (like avocado, olive oil, or various nuts).
Try to avoid sugary drinks, fried foods, and heavy processed snacks when possible. If you can cut them out completely, great, but just limiting them will make a difference too—and sometimes not restricting, but moderating, helps keep you consistent and sticking to it.
And don’t forget: hydration matters too, and water is always your best bet!
2. Move Your Body Most Days
No, you don’t need a gym membership. Or an hour long workout. Just 30 minutes of movement a day can help lower blood sugar and blood pressure, improve cholesterol, and strengthen your heart. For example, taking a walk after eating a large meal or your dinner can make a big impact. For kids, even active play counts!
Try:
- Walking the dog
- Dancing in the kitchen (like no one is watching!)
- Chair yoga
- Playing with your kids or pets
- Stretch breaks throughout the day
Even light activity adds up when you stay consistent.
3. Use a CGM to Catch Patterns Early
Keeping an eye on your blood sugar is one of the best tools for preventing heart complications, especially when you use a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).
CGMs help you:
- See real-time blood sugar trends
- Catch unexpected highs and lows
- Adjust meals, exercise, or medication with confidence
- Avoid long-term complications tied to unstable blood sugar
Struggling to keep up with finger sticks or worried about overnight lows? CGMs make tracking easier and safer, especially for kids. UroStat Healthcare can help you get the CGM supplies you need. We’ll walk you through every step and deliver discreetly to your door.
Helping Families Navigate Medicaid Coverage for Pediatric CGMs
CGMs are a game-changer for families managing pediatric diabetes. They provide real-time glucose readings, reduce dangerous highs and lows, and eliminate constant finger pricks.
At UroStat, we specialize in helping families get Medicaid-covered CGMs for children with:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes
Covered pediatric CGMs include the Dexcom G7 and the FreeStyle Libre 3.
We currently serve pediatric families in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Ohio, and Kentucky. Our team works directly with your provider and insurance to streamline paperwork, approvals, and home delivery, so you can focus on care, not forms.
4. Manage Stress Before It Builds
Chronic stress is not only bad for your health as whole, but it can spike both blood pressure and blood sugar, putting double pressure on your heart. You don’t need to be perfect in managing it, just look for small ways to reset and find your calm.
Try doing some of these:
- Deep breathing for 60 seconds
- Journaling for five minutes or longer
- Talking a short walk
- Calling someone who makes you laugh
- Saying “no” to one extra thing this week
Protecting your health includes protecting your peace.
4-7-8 Breathing Method
This is a relaxing technique to try. Inhale through your nose for 4 counts, hold your breath for 7 counts, and then exhale forcefully through your mouth (making a whoosh sound) for 8 counts, repeating for several cycles to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and aid sleep. This is especially helpful if you deal with anxiety.
5. Keep Up With Your Care Team
Regular checkups can help you stay ahead of potential heart issues. Your provider may check your blood pressure, A1C levels, cholesterol, weight/BMI, and kidney function. Don’t hesitate to ask your provider how your heart health and diabetes plan connect, especially if you’ve had any symptoms or changes.
What This Means for You
Having diabetes doesn’t mean you’re destined for heart trouble, but it does mean you should pay extra attention. With the right support, habits, and tools, you can stay one step ahead. This month, take a moment to check in on your blood sugar, move a little each day, drink more water, add one heart-healthy food to your grocery list, and ask about CGM supplies covered by insurance.
If you need support managing your diabetes, UroStat is here to help with CGM supplies and guidance every step of the way.