Diabetes Mellitus/ High Blood Sugar

Diabetes mellitus, often known simply as ‘diabetes’, may lead to serious complications such as heart disease. In Singapore, one in every two persons who suffered a heart attack have diabetes. A person with diabetes is also four times more likely to suffer from heart failure than a person without diabetes.

The leading cause of death among people with diabetes is cardiovascular disease, hence it is very important for someone with diabetes to consult a Cardiologist for a cardiovascular risk assessment.

Insulin is a key hormone that allows cells to absorb sugar from the blood for conversion into energy. Diabetes mellitus arises when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to it normally, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Having persistently high blood sugar can lead to noticeable health issues. Recognising the symptoms of high blood sugar early — such as fatigue, frequent urination, and blurred vision — is essential to prevent long-term complications. If not properly managed, high blood sugar could lead to severe health issues, including heart disease.

• Type 1 Diabetes
  

  Often hereditary and caused by an autoimmune reaction that attacks insulin-producing cells. Usually discovered at a younger age.

• Type 2 Diabetes
  

  Very common in Singapore, often linked to poor diet, inactivity, and genetic factors. Makes up the majority of diabetes cases in Singapore.

• Prediabetes
  

  Blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Early intervention can prevent progression.

• Gestational Diabetes
  

  Occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increases the future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes usually has no symptoms. In Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, symptoms may be mild at first and often go unnoticed. Common symptoms of high blood sugar include:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Frequent infections (e.g., gums, skin)

Being aware of these high blood sugar symptoms can prompt earlier testing and treatment, potentially preventing serious complications.

Without proper treatment, diabetes can affect major organs, leading to:

• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke)
• Kidney damage (nephropathy)
• Eye damage (retinopathy)
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Foot problems and skin infections

Diabetes is treatable and often preventable. Management strategies include:

• Monitoring blood sugar, weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure
• Adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management
• Working with your doctor on medication plans

Testing is recommended if you are over 40, have family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, are overweight, or have had gestational diabetes. All it takes is a simple blood test.

Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and heart nerves. People with diabetes often also have high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, or high triglycerides — all of which raise cardiovascular risk.

• Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Attack
  

High blood sugar levels damage artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis. This can cause angina or trigger a heart attack.

• Heart Failure

Weakened heart muscles make it harder to pump blood, causing breathlessness and swelling.

• Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Direct weakening of the heart muscle from diabetes, even without artery disease.

See a Cardiologist for cardiovascular risk assessment if you have diabetes, especially if you experience chest discomfort or shortness of breath.

Lifestyle changes to protect your heart and manage diabetes:

• Eat a balanced diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay active
• Manage your ABCs (A1C, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol)
• Stop smoking
• Manage stress effectively