Here’s how diabetes affects your heart and kidneys

Diabetes has become a pressing public health concern in India. A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that a staggering 101 million people in the country are grappling with this condition.

To put this into perspective, the diabetic population in India alone ranks as the fifteenth most populous country globally.

This chronic medical condition disrupts the body’s regulation of blood sugar, or blood glucose, and poses significant health risks. Prolonged elevation of blood sugar levels in diabetes can lead to severe complications such as heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, and kidney failure.

These complications underscore the urgency of addressing cardiovascular health, given the interconnected nature of the cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) systems, where the health of one organ system can profoundly impact another.

According to the ‘I CaRe for Diabetes’ survey, representing over 300 outpatient diabetes care facilities in India, a staggering 95% of individuals with type-2 diabetes also carry additional risk factors for heart or kidney diseases.

A national health policy objective aims to reduce the risk of premature death by 25% by 2025. Achieving this goal hinges on a conscientious approach to addressing cardio-renal-metabolic complications.

Dr Shraddha Bhure, Medical Director, Boehringer Ingelheim India, in an interview with IndiaToday.In shared the link between diabetes and its impact on the heart and the kidneys.

How diabetes affects your kidneys

Studies indicate that nearly 2 out of 5 individuals with diabetes, carry a lifetime risk of chronic kidney disease.

“In people with diabetes, persistently high blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels can lead to kidney problems by damaging the blood vessels in these vital organs, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease,” said Dr Shraddha Bhure.

Besides this, if you have diabetes or obesity, it can increase the risk of kidney disease.

“Smoking is especially detrimental to those with diabetes, as it accelerates the progression of vascular disease, and contributes to kidney damage,” added Dr Bhure.

How diabetes affects the heart

Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to inflammation and damage in the blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

“High blood pressure or hypertension is often comorbid with diabetes. It strains the heart, elevating the risk of heart-related issues. Both diabetes as well as hypertension can predispose to heart failure,” said Dr Bhure.

High cholesterol levels, a common issue in people with diabetes, contribute to atherosclerosis, a condition characterised by the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, further linking diabetes to heart disease.

Even obesity, a prevalent risk factor in individuals with diabetes, places additional stress on the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Tackling this health crisis involves more than just keeping an eye on blood sugar levels.

“Managing diabetes requires prioritising our overall well-being, through a combination of a balanced diet, regular exercise, healthy lifestyle, appropriate treatment and commitment to sustained care in the long run,” added Dr Bhure.