The Critical Link Between Diabetes and Heart Disease

The Link between Diabetes and Heart Disease – EXPLAINED!

Spearheaded by Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. in partnership with medical societies and patient groups, the For Your Sweetheart Campaign urges Filipinos diagnosed with diabetes to be aware of its link to cardiovascular disease and how to manage the condition properly.

The critical link between the two diseases – is now more than ever, an important topic of discussion. Knowing the link can save your life!

The campaign was launched earlier via an online media conference participated by some of the Philippines’ leading experts in the field.

Dr. Orly Bugarin – President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Ayi Faller – President, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist (AACE) Philippine Chapter
Dr. Marcelo Lim – President, Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation Inc. (ISDFI)
Dr. Jeremy Robles – President, Philippine Society of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism (DPI)
Dr. Grace Delos Santos – President, Diabetes Philippines
Ms. Leyden Florido – President, Philippine Association of Diabetes Educators (PADE)
Ms. Girlie Lorenzo – President, Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO)

Also present during the virtual launch is celebrity host Kim Atienza, as the official “For Your Sweetheart” Campaign Ambassador.

For Your Sweetheart is an online campaign that basically aims to provide people with correct information about the disease – to combat all the “Fake News” and misinformation circulating online.

Did you know that around 80% of Type 2 Diabetes patients may develop cardiovascular disease

According to a follow-up study among patients who participated in the World Health Organization (WHO) Multinational Study of Vascular Disease in Diabetes, a staggering 52% of deaths in Type 2 patients are due to cardiovascular disease—confirming that Type 2 is a cardiovascular disease equivalent. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for patients with the disease.

1 out of 2 Diabetes patients may die from heart disease

Patients with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease. Over time, uncontrolled high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to the heart and ultimately raise blood pressure levels. It also increases the level of bad cholesterol. All of these factors increase the risk of heart disease in diabetics. The three types of heart disease that patients with diabetes commonly develop are coronary heart disease, heart failure, and diabetic cardiomyopathy.

4 Million Filipinos have Diabetes

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), as of May 2020, there are nearly four (4) million reported cases of diabetes in the Philippines. Alarmingly, many living with diabetes do not know of their increased risk for heart diseases.

The “For Your SweetHeart” campaign aims to change that by raising awareness about this link, with the help of TV personality Kim “Kuya Kim” Atienza as the official campaign advocate.

“The campaign is relevant to me because my grandparents had diabetes, and so does my mother. Like many Filipinos, I can relate to how we always want what is best for the health and well-being of our loved ones. I always check up on my mother and make sure she’s leading a healthy lifestyle,” Kuya Kim stated.

Supported by health experts and patient organizations, the campaign will focus on not only patients but also the caregivers.

“It comes naturally for Filipinos to care for our loved ones. The campaign doesn’t just speak to those diagnosed with diabetes but also to the loved ones taking care of them,” said Dr. Greta Cortez, Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc.’s Head of Medicine.

“Boehringer Ingelheim has always believed in empowering and equipping both the patients and their loved ones with important information so they can make the best decisions together for their health and well-being,” she continued.

Knowing the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease can help patients and those taking care of them to determine meaningful and necessary life-changing steps.

“There are ways to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease for those with diabetes. Being aware of the impact of diabetes on heart health is a critical first step as well as consulting your doctor, so you know the best medical options to manage the disease,” said Dr. Orly Bugarin, President of the Philippine Heart Association and a cardiologist at Twin Hearts Medical Clinic in Balanga, Bataan.

For more information about the connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease, visit www.foryoursweetheart.ph. The website includes an assessment tool based on the Framingham 10-year Heart Disease Risk Test, which requires details of the patient’s total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure.