Coordinate specialty care
Your doctor may refer you to multiple specialists, including an endocrinologist to manage T2D, a nephrologist to manage CKD, and a cardiologist to manage heart health.
To coordinate communication between specialists, share all of their names with each one. Let each specialist know about your medical history, including any changes in your health, recent medical tests, and treatments that you've received.
Know your numbers — and keep them in range
Managing your blood sugar, blood cholesterol, and blood pressure levels can help protect your blood vessels and heart.
Speak with your doctor to learn how to monitor these numbers and keep them within target range. Your doctor can help you set targets that fit your individual health needs. They may also order tests to monitor your kidney function.
Get regular exercise
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans encourage adults to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.
Examples of moderate-intensity aerobic activity include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, and playing sports such as tennis or basketball. The guidelines also recommend muscle-strengthening activities on at least 2 days per week.
Quit smoking, if you smoke
Smoking harms almost every organ in your body, including your heart. If you smoke, your doctor can help you develop a plan to quit. They may prescribe medication, smoking cessation counseling, or a combination of both.
It’s also important to limit your exposure to secondhand smoke.
Stay up to date on vaccinations
Living with T2D and CKD raises your risk of complications from the flu, which can take a toll on your heart. Getting an annual flu shot lowers your risk of developing the flu and helps prevent severe illness if you do get the flu.
Diabetes may also make it harder for your immune system to fight off infections. This means that it's especially important for you to protect yourself from preventable diseases by keeping your vaccinations up to date.
Here's information on the vaccines that the CDC recommends for people with heart disease, and diabetes.
Reach out for support
Managing chronic health conditions can be challenging, which is why it’s important to reach out for help. Consider joining a support group for people with T2D or CKD
Let your doctor know if you need help adjusting your diet, exercise routine, stress management practices, or other habits. They may refer you to a certified diabetes care and education specialist, dietitian, physical therapist, or a mental health counselor.
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7
Ways to Protect Your Heart Health When You Have Diabetes & Kidney Disease
01
Coordinate specialty care
02
Know your numbers — and keep them in range
03
Take medication
as prescribed
04
Get regular excercise
05
Quit smoking,
if you smoke
06
Stay up to date on vaccinations
07
Reach out for support
Take medication as prescribed
To treat T2D, your doctor may prescribe one or more medications. Taking diabetes medication as prescribed can help keep your blood sugar within target range and reduce your risk of complications.
Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help manage CKD, heart disease, or other conditions. Let them know if you think you’ve developed side effects from treatment.
