I’ve always been bothered by the word “complications” as a description for the potential consequences of diabetes. “Complications” is much too mild a word for nerve pain, vision loss, sexual dysfunction, digestive problems, difficult infections, kidney failure, and the doubling of the risk for heart disease. Ultimately, it’s that hugely increased risk for heart disease that takes the greatest toll on people with diabetes, and managing those risks becomes as important as managing blood glucose levels.
constantly emphasize the importance of heart health as a part of our diabetes lifestyle. So, I am especially pleased to recommend a new book by my friend and colleague Jill Weisenberger which explains this close and important connection between diabetes and heart disease perfectly. Her book 21 Things You Need To Know About Diabetes and Your Heart (©2015, American Diabetes Association) carefully and clearly explains both the problem and the solutions to heart disease as a complication of diabetes. And, she gives you all you need to know in only 135 pages, in language anyone can understand.
Most importantly, 21 Things You Need To Know About Diabetes and Your Heart shows you exactly how effectively managing diabetes and heart health can go together is so many key ways – twice the benefit for the same effort. And, when it comes to your long term health and the quality of your life, nothing could be more important.