Diabetes is probably the biggest risk factor for heart disease. More than 50 percent of people with type 2 diabetes die of coronary artery disease. Usually women are protected from cardiovascular disease somewhat before they reach menopause, however women with type 2 diabetes are just as susceptible to heart disease as men. Diabetics are less likely to survive a heart attack than non-diabetics.
In diabetics all of the risk factors associated with being overweight are magnified. Most diabetics are overweight, and their fat stores produce large amounts of inflammatory cytokines. The arteries of diabetics are not able to produce adequate levels of nitric oxide, which acts to dilate blood vessels and reduce inflammation. The artery walls of diabetics also produce more free radicals, which further worsen inflammation and promote the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. High blood sugar and high insulin levels cause the artery lining to produce greater amounts of a strong vasoconstrictor called endothelin-1; it causes the arteries to constrict leading to high blood pressure.
Sugar is sticky and excess sugar in the bloodstream attaches itself to proteins to form Advanced Glycosylation Endproducts (AGEs). AGEs bind to the inner lining of arteries and stimulate them to produce inflammatory chemicals; this causes damage to the artery walls which promotes the development of atherosclerosis. AGEs promote the formation of free radicals in the body. Diabetics also produce more of the chemicals that stimulate blood clots. Advanced atherosclerotic plaques in arteries are more likely to rupture and lead to a clot and complete blockage of an artery in diabetics.
If you are a diabetic you need to be following a low carbohydrate, high protein eating plan. The plan in the book “Can’t Lose Weight You Could Have Syndrome X” will help you to achieve better blood sugar control, lose weight and reverse a fatty liver. For best results, you should follow this eating plan under the guidance of a qualified naturopath or nutritionist.

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