Managing High Blood Sugar in Heart Disease Patients: Key Insights and Tips

My father has a history of heart disease and recently his blood sugar level was found to be over 230?

Recently, my dad was hospitalized and found to have extremely high blood sugar levels.
He also has heart disease.
However, his cardiologist once told him that if he develops diabetes, it could lead to a higher risk of death.
This statement has caused my dad to feel an inexplicable fear after his high blood sugar diagnosis.
My family is unsure how to comfort him.
I would like to ask: 1.
Given his current health condition, is it still possible to maintain good health through lifestyle changes? 2.
During the first check-up, his blood sugar was 230, and the doctor prescribed medication for him.
However, after a week, his blood sugar increased to 250 instead of decreasing.
Could this indicate any underlying issues? We are very worried and scared about the possibility of losing my dad, and since I lack medical knowledge, I would like to seek answers to these questions from a physician.

danxin haipa, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/03/31

Dr. He Niaotong reply Internal Medicine

1.
Yes, you can regularly visit the endocrinology department through the National Health Insurance.
As long as your father maintains his blood sugar levels within a good range, it can help reduce the complications associated with diabetes.
It is recommended that your father keeps his blood sugar levels below 140 mg/dL before meals and below 180 mg/dL two hours after meals, which are considered good targets for blood sugar control.
2.
To achieve ideal blood sugar levels, a combination of diet, exercise, and medication is necessary.
If your father's blood sugar levels are rising instead of falling after medical treatment, it does not necessarily mean that the medication is ineffective; it may indicate that he is not following the correct dietary guidelines and is consuming too many foods that can raise blood sugar levels.
Many healthcare facilities now have diabetes care centers (classes or outpatient clinics), so it is advisable to take your father to a diabetes care center at the hospital for diabetes education.
They will teach you how to manage diabetes, provide relevant information, and a dietitian will guide your father on how to enjoy food while maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Nurses will also instruct on how to exercise, monitor blood sugar, and maintain daily health practices.
As long as your father collaborates with his physician, dietitian, and nurse, I believe his blood sugar can stabilize, and many of your worries and fears will be alleviated.

Reply Date: 2005/03/31

More Info

Managing high blood sugar in patients with heart disease is a critical aspect of healthcare, as both conditions can significantly impact each other. It’s understandable that your father feels anxious after receiving such alarming news about his health. Here are some key insights and tips to help manage his condition effectively.

Understanding the Relationship Between Diabetes and Heart Disease
1. Increased Risk: Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart, leading to complications such as heart attacks and strokes. This is why your father's doctor emphasized the seriousness of diabetes in the context of his existing heart condition.

2. Fear and Anxiety: It’s common for patients to feel fear when faced with a chronic illness. This anxiety can sometimes exacerbate health issues. It’s essential for your family to provide emotional support and encourage open discussions about his health concerns.

Managing High Blood Sugar
1. Dietary Changes: A balanced diet is crucial for managing blood sugar levels. Encourage your father to follow a diet that is low in refined sugars and carbohydrates, focusing instead on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. The Mediterranean diet is often recommended for heart health and can also help in managing blood sugar levels.

2. Regular Monitoring: Keeping track of blood sugar levels is vital. Your father should monitor his blood sugar regularly to understand how different foods and activities affect his levels. This can help him make informed choices about his diet and lifestyle.

3. Medication Adherence: If your father has been prescribed medication for his high blood sugar, it’s important that he takes it as directed. If his blood sugar levels are not decreasing despite medication, this could indicate that the current treatment plan needs to be reassessed. It’s essential to communicate this to his healthcare provider.

4. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help lower blood sugar levels and improve heart health. Encourage your father to engage in moderate physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, for at least 150 minutes per week. However, he should consult his doctor before starting any new exercise regimen, especially given his heart condition.

5. Weight Management: If your father is overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce cardiovascular risk. A combination of diet and exercise is the most effective way to achieve this.

6. Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively impact blood sugar levels. Encourage your father to engage in stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises.

When to Seek Medical Attention
If your father’s blood sugar levels continue to rise (e.g., from 230 to 250), it’s crucial to consult his healthcare provider. This could indicate that the current treatment plan is ineffective, or there may be other underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Conclusion
While the diagnosis of high blood sugar and heart disease can be daunting, it is manageable with the right approach. Encourage your father to adopt a healthy lifestyle, adhere to his medication regimen, and maintain regular follow-ups with his healthcare provider. Emotional support from family can also play a significant role in his overall well-being. It’s important to foster a positive environment where he feels comfortable discussing his fears and concerns. With the right strategies, he can maintain a good quality of life despite these health challenges.

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