Blood Vessels

The main function of your blood vessels—arteries, veins and capillaries—is to carry blood to and from your heart to all parts of your body. Keeping blood vessels healthy is especially important if you have diabetes, because both types 1 and 2 damage blood-vessel linings, making it easier for dangerous clots and plaques to form.

“Clogged and damaged vessels increase your risk of heart disease and stroke,” says endocrinologist Gretchen Perilli, M.D. of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “And heart disease is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes.” Diabetes increases the risk of heart attack two-to-threefold.

To keep your blood vessels healthy and reduce your risk of heart disease, Perilli suggests you follow these steps:

1. If you smoke, quit now.
2. Keep your blood pressure at or below 130/80.
3. Make sure your A1c level is at 6.5 percent or lower.
4. Keep “bad” LDL cholesterol at 70 mg/dL or lower.

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