A Healthy Heart Prior to the session be sure that you have tested your AV equipment and have all of your handouts ready. Welcome participants as they enter the room. If you are using a virtual platform, be sure to welcome those participants as well. Provide the logistical details for the session ─ the length of the session, and when and how to ask questions. Be sure to include some interactive elements during the session to maintain participant interest. Just be sure to monitor the time and keep the session moving. Start the session on time.

Discussion Topics The link between diabetes and heart. and blood vessel problems. Signs of heart and blood vessel problems. Preventing and controlling heart and blood vessel problems. “Welcome and thank you for participating today. We are going to discuss (read the slide) Heart and blood vessel problems are also known as cardiovascular disease or CVD.”

Heart and Blood Vessels Your heart is a muscle that pumps blood through your body. Your heart pumps blood that carries oxygen to large blood vessels ─ called arteries; and small blood vessels ─ called capillaries. Other blood vessels ─ called veins ─ carry blood back to the heart. Read the slide.

Heart and Blood Vessel Problems Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or suffer a stroke than people without diabetes. High blood sugar in adults with diabetes increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, angina, and coronary artery disease. Diabetes can also cause poor circulation or blood flow in the legs and feet. Read the slide. “Coronary artery disease happens when the blood vessels to the heart are blocked so that a heart attack may happen. A stroke can happen if the blood flow to the brain is blocked.”

Heart and Blood Vessel Problems People with type 2 diabetes also have high rates of high blood pressure, lipid problems, and obesity. Smoking doubles the risk for these and other problems in people with diabetes. Read the slide. “Sadly, Only 7.3% of people are at their goal for all three ABCs of diabetes. The ABCs are A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Two out of every five have poorly controlled LDL cholesterol. One out of every three has poorly controlled blood pressure. One out of every five has poorly controlled blood glucose. It is important to know your goals and work with your health care team to achieve them.”

Heart and Blood Vessel Problems You are more likely to have heart and blood vessel problems if you Smoke cigarettes. Have high blood pressure. Have high LDL cholesterol. Have other fats in your blood. Read the slide. “Talk with your health care team about what you can do to lower your risk for heart and blood vessel problems. You can also ask your health care provider about taking a daily aspirin to help prevent heart and blood vessel problems.”

Heart and Blood Vessel Problems What is atherosclerosis? This condition occurs when cholesterol is too high and the insides of large blood vessels become narrowed or clogged. Narrowed or clogged blood vessels make it harder for enough blood to get to all parts of your body and can cause problems. Read the slide. “Several things ─ including having diabetes ─ can make your blood cholesterol level too high.”

Signs of Heart and Blood Vessel Problems What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs. Cholesterol is one of the substances that our bodies create and use to keep us healthy. However, when you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it can build up on your artery walls. Read the slide. “There are two types of cholesterol – LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol and HDL cholesterol as “good” cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is the type that can build up and cause heart issues. Knowing your cholesterol level targets and numbers is an important element in heart disease prevention.”

Signs of Heart and Blood Vessel Problems Why do some people have high levels of cholesterol? LDL (bad) cholesterol is produced naturally by the body. Some people inherit genes that cause them to make too much cholesterol. Some ethnic groups are more prone to high cholesterol. Eating foods with saturated fat or trans fats also increases the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood. “Having high blood cholesterol puts you at risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. About 71 million American adults (33.5%) have high low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol. Only one out of every three adults with high LDL cholesterol has the condition under control. Less than half of adults with high LDL cholesterol get treatment. Lowering your cholesterol can reduce your risk of having a heart attack, needing heart bypass surgery or angioplasty, and dying of heart disease. High cholesterol has no symptoms, so many people don’t know that their cholesterol is too high. Your doctor can do a simple blood test to check your levels.”

Signs of Heart and Blood Vessel Problems You may be having serious heart and blood vessel problems if you Feel dizzy. Have sudden loss of sight. Slur your speech. Feel numb or weak in one arm or leg. Read the slide. “If you’re having serious heart and blood vessel problems, your blood may not be getting to your brain as well as it should.”

Signs of Heart and Blood Vessel Problems Danger signs of circulation problems include Chest pain or pressure. Shortness of breath. Swollen ankles. Irregular heartbeat. Pain in your legs when you walk. Read the slide. “If you have any of these danger signs of circulatory problems to the heart, go to an emergency room or call your health care provider right away. Also, signs of circulatory problems to your legs are pain or cramping in your buttocks, thighs, or calves during physical activity. Even if this pain goes away with rest, report it to your health care provider.”

Preventing and Controlling Heart and Blood Vessel Problems Eat right and be physically active. Choose a healthy diet that is low in salt. Work with a dietitian to plan healthy meals. If you’re overweight, talk with your health care provider about how to safely lose weight. Ask about a physical activity or exercise program. Stop smoking if you smoke. Read the slide.

Preventing and Controlling Heart and Blood Vessel Problems Don’t use tobacco or other tobacco products. When you have diabetes and also use tobacco, the risk of heart and blood vessel problems is even greater. One of the best choices you can make for your health is to never start smoking ─ or, if you smoke, to quit. Read the slide. “If you smoke, talk to your health care provider about ways to help you stop. Other tobacco products such as snuff or chewing tobacco can also be harmful.”

Preventing and Controlling Heart and Blood Vessel Problems Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked by your doctor regularly. You may need medicines to control your blood pressure, cholesterol, or both. Healthy food choices ─ including choosing lower-salt and low-fat options ─ may help you lower your numbers. Increase your physical activity. Read the slide. “Many medicines are available to treat high blood pressure. Talk with your health care team about whether you need medicine to help you take charge of your blood pressure.”

Preventing and Controlling Heart and Blood Vessel Problems What can people with diabetes do to lower their risk? Reach and stay at a healthy weight. Get at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity 5 or more days each week. Eat foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars. Stop smoking. Take medications as prescribed. Read the slide. “People with diabetes can work with their health care team to develop and use an action plan to reach their blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol goals.”

Learning About Diabetes Learn How to Manage Your Diabetes Ask your doctor for a referral to a diabetes self-management education program recognized or accredited by the American Diabetes Association or the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Read the slide.

For more information, call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) www.diabetesatwork.org “Thank you for participating. Our next session will be … [state when you will have the next session].” For more information, call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) TTY 1-888-232-6348 or visit www.cdc.gov/info To order resources, visit www.cdc.gov/diabetes/ndep