In a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association, researchers claim that many people with type 2 diabetes have a high risk of heart failure.
In fact, many people need to manage the two diseases at the same time.
People with type 2 diabetes have increased blood sugar levels and are much more likely to develop heart failure than people without diabetes.
On the other hand, in heart failure, the heart cannot efficiently pump oxygenated blood through the body, and this is a risk factor for diabetes.
Both diseases have symptoms such as insulin resistance and high levels of inflammation.
Previous research has shown that treating type 2 diabetes often can reduce the risk of heart failure in patients.
The researchers say that type 2 diabetes and heart failure share many similar risk factors and mechanisms, but so far there is no clear guidance on how to control both conditions.
They suggest doctors should carefully choose the care and treatment of patients who have both conditions.
For example, medications for one health condition may influence the outcome of another. Doctors need to be aware of potential health risks.
The researchers suggest that doctors need to not only focusing on the main problem but also think about other health conditions the patient has.
The team also says patients with either disease need to take proactive steps to improve their health.
Healthy lifestyle habits, such as taking regular exercise, maintaining healthy body weight, eating a healthy diet and sleeping well at night, are very important.
In addition, people with diabetes need to keep their blood sugar levels under control.
In the statement, the researchers also suggest that a new class of drugs called SGLT-2 inhibitors can lower blood sugar in diabetes and also effective in reducing heart failure.
The drugs may help manage the two condition in people who already have them.
Dr. Shannon Dunlay is a co-chair of the report’s writing committee. She is a heart failure cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
The statement is published in the journal Circulation.
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