Published: July 30, 2025
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
If you have diabetes, your heart could be silently developing serious issues. The link between diabetes and heart disease is stronger than most people realize. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes.
“If you have diabetes, you either need a cardiologist now or you likely will need one in the future,” said Catrina R. Hancock, PA-C, physician assistant with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. “Diabetes has the potential to affect nearly every part of the body, but its impact on the heart is especially serious. The good news is that with proper cardiac care, we can significantly reduce your risk of heart complications.”
People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease and often have other conditions that increase heart disease risks: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney and liver disease, and obesity.Diabetes affects how your body processes sugar. Over time, high blood sugar acts like sandpaper in your bloodstream, causing damage to arteries. High glucose levels can also cause inflammation throughout the body, making it easier for cholesterol to stick to artery walls and block blood flow to your heart.Diabetes also can damage the nerves that control your heart rate and blood pressure. This condition, called diabetic neuropathy, can mask typical warning signs of heart issues. Diabetes-related heart damage often happens silently and slowly, making it difficult to detect without regular cardiac monitoring.
Not everyone with diabetes experiences clear warning signs of heart issues. While chest pain can still occur, many symptoms of diabetes with heart disease can be subtle or mistaken for fatigue, aging or other conditions.Important symptoms to watch for include:
If you have diabetes and are experiencing any of these symptoms, even occasionally, it’s time to talk to a cardiologist about your risks related to diabetes and heart disease.
Managing heart disease in people who have diabetes extends beyond glucose control. A cardiologist plays an essential role in identifying and helping to control silent cardiovascular risks before they can become major, life-threatening complications.
“Many patients don’t realize how significantly a cardiologist can enhance their overall diabetes management and provide peace of mind regarding their cardiovascular health,” Catrina said.
When you consult with a cardiologist at Norton Heart & Vascular Institute, they will evaluate your cardiovascular health using advanced screenings, imaging and lab tests, specifically designed for diabetes patients.More advanced diagnostic testing: Cardiologists use specialized tests that can detect cardiovascular issues before a person shows symptoms. These might include coronary artery calcium scoring, advanced lipid panels or cardiac imaging that can reveal early signs of heart disease in patients with diabetes.
Personalized treatment plans: Every person with diabetes has a unique risk profile. A cardiologist can develop a customized treatment plan that considers how long you’ve had diabetes, glycemic control, family history and other individual factors that influence cardiovascular disease development.Based on your condition, a cardiologist may recommend:
With appropriate cardiac care, people living with diabetes can dramatically reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke or other long-term disability. Early detection and preventive treatment can minimize diabetes-related cardiovascular complications and improve your overall quality of life.