Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
A recent study from Washington University in St Louis
may explain why more than 75 percent of diabetics die of heart
disease (Journal for the American College of Cardiology,
February 7, 2006). The heart muscle of diabetics uses a much
higher percentage of fat for energy than that of non-diabetics, to
markedly increase risk for heart attacks.
The energy source for heart muscle is mostly sugar and
fat, and to a lesser degree, protein. Muscles need far more
oxygen to process fat than to process sugar. The blood supply
to heart muscle comes from large arteries on the outside of the
heart. Diabetics have narrowed arteries because high blood
sugar levels cause plaques to form and reduce the diameter of
the coronary arteries. The increased need for blood flow from
burning fat and the decreased blood flow from narrowed arteries
put diabetics at very high risk for heart attacks, heart failure and
sudden death. The increased use of oxygen increases blood
levels of oxidants that further damage the inner linings of
arteries.
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented
If you are already diabetic, please read Treatment of insulin resistance
April 2, 2006