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4. Heart Disease and Blood Vessel Disease
Diabetes dramatically increases your risk of developing cardiovascular problems, and heart disease is a leading killer among diabetics who fail to control their condition. Sometimes the warning signs are clear, like angina (pain in the chest), shortness of breath, or problems with circulation in the legs. Other times, cardiovascular symptoms are quiet until a big event, like a heart attack or stroke, occurs.
In either case, one important fact remains: diabetics are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke as non-diabetics, and that makes it important to take extra precautions. Good blood sugar control is vital to avoid heart disease, but so are quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.
Diabetes can creep up without a sound, and start interfering with your body before you realize that anything is happening.
