Tight blood sugar control may help protect blood vessels and reduce the risk for blood clotting. It is still not known whether intensive control will have a major protective effect on the heart, however. People with diabetes must be sure to use other measures as well to protect the heart.
Aspirin for Reducing the Risk for Blood Clots. Taking a daily aspirin reduces the risk for blood clotting and may help protect against heart attacks. In a 2000 study, low-dose aspirin was associated with a 30% lower risk for death from heart disease in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Controlling Blood Pressure. Strict control of blood pressure is critical for preventing complications of diabetes and has proven to improve survival rates. Patients should strive for blood pressure levels of less than 130/80 mm Hg (systolic/diastolic). (Controlling systolic pressure may be especially important for reducing the risk for kidney complications.)
Dozens of anti-hypertensive drugs are available. Most fall into the following categories:
- Diuretics rid the body of extra sodium (salt) and water. There are three main types of diuretics: Potassium-sparing, thiazide, and loop.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce the production of angiotensin, a chemical that causes arteries to narrow.
- Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) block angiotensin.· Beta-blockers block the effects of adrenaline and ease the heart’s pumping action.
- Calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) decrease the contractions of the heart and widen blood vessels.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends any of these classes of drugs as first-line treatment for hypertension. New research suggests, however, that beta-blockers are less effective at preventing strokes and heart attacks than other types of blood pressure medications. Many patients require more than one type of drug to control blood pressure. For patients with diabetes who have microalbuminuria, the ADA strongly recommends ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Microalbuminuria is an accumulation of protein in the blood, which can signal the onset of kidney disease (nephropathy).
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