Obesity and Type II Diabetes

[MichaelJH]

Whilst obviously this is primarily a heart health forum I thought this was worth posting.

There does seem to be a definite link between Type II diabetes and CVD (cardiovascular disease) that needs lifestyle changes (usually with medication), stents or bypassing. The overwhelming majority diagnosed with Type II are either overweight or obese. Whether heart disease is caused by this or the diabetes is not totally clear as Type II diabetes is often undiagnosed for years sometimes only being spotted when complications have occured such as diabetic retinopathy.

This morning I read a report that said that obese people are nearly six times more likely to develop Type II diabetes than those of normal weight. This far overrides any genetic or lifestyle issues.

Sometimes people develop diabetes after developing heart disease. If that is you reduce the risk significantly by eating a healthy diet and keeping weight within the normal range.

[Janma123]

My hubby had his first HA in 2007. He had been getting increasingly thirsty in the few weeks beforehand. When he had his HA he was also diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. He was told at the time that his diabetes would have been the major factor in causing his HA.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Janma123]

Diabetes can be a factor particularly if it was undetected for a considerable time. If the primary cause of the diabetes was being seriously overweight or obese this would also play a part. Smoking is also a considerable risk factor.

But the past is the past. I hope he is well and coping with the cardiovascular issues and diabetes.

[Janma123 in reply to MichaelJH]

He’s doing ok! He’s made it to 70!

He had a second HA in March 2018, was kept in hospital and had a CABGX4 while he was there. Unfortunately he had a “small but significant” stroke, caused by a tiny clot only 9 days after having his anticoagulant stopped!

Years of metformin and omeprazole have also made him b12 deficient but the injections are helping.

He’s away this morning on a tractor and hedgecutter and was driving a combine last week.