Type 2 Diabetes
Because women with type 2 diabetes have high
levels of insulin in their bloodstreams, they’re more
prone to blood clots. This may explain why 75 percent of
people with type 2 diabetes die of heart attacks or strokes.
Women with diabetes are three times more likely to die of
heart disease than women without diabetes. Type 2 diabetes
doubles the risk for a second heart attack in women, but
not in men.
Although there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, women can
control this medical condition by maintaining a healthy
weight and exercising regularly. A recent study published
in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
found that women with type 2 diabetes could reduce their
risk for heart attack or stroke by exercising regularly.
Based on findings from this long-term CVD risk study of
3,000 people, researchers believe that regular exercise
may improve a person’s ability to dissolve blood clots
and possibly lower the risk for CVD. Exercise makes the
body more receptive to the effects of insulin.
References
- Hu, F.B., et al. “Physical
Activity and Risk of Stroke in Women,” JAMA,
283:2961-2967; 2000.
- “Diabetes
Creates Higher Risks for Women with Coronary Artery Disease,”
American Heart Association, 2002.
Source of Material: RockHill Communications, 14
Rock Hill Road Bala, Cynwyd, PA 19004, (610) 667-2040, http://www.RockHillCommunications.com
Writer: Christine Norris
Editors: Andrea King, Joanne Poeggel, Erin Murphy, Ron
Wozny
Clinical Reviewer: Patt Panzer, M.D. - RockHill Communications
Date Written: 3/1/01
Last Reviewed & Updated: 5/31/2003 |