Why is Type 2 Diabetes not just about high blood sugar levels?

Type 2 Diabetes develops when the body is unable to respond to insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps convert blood sugar into energy to fuel our bodies. In diabetes, this process is faulty, and blood sugar levels are higher than normal.¹

If left unmanaged, type 2 diabetes can lead to many complications including eye disease, stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, foot disease and nerve disease.⁷

Did you know?

• At least 1 in 3 people with type 2 diabetes die from heart disease.²
• Chronic kidney disease affects up to 40% of patients with type 2 diabetes.¹
• Up to 67% of patients with heart failure are estimated to have chronic kidney disease.⁷

What is the link between Type 2 Diabetes, Kidney Disease and Heart Disease?

Type 2 diabetes   can impact the heart and the kidneys, because these organ systems share the same blood flow in our bodies. High blood sugar can cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart and kidneys, making   it   hard   for the heart to pump well and the kidneys to filter well.⁸

How can diabetes cause kidney disease?

Each kidney is made up of millions of tiny filters called nephrons.  Over time, high blood sugar from diabetes can damage blood vessels in the kidneys as well as nephrons so they don’t work as well as they should.⁹

If you have type 2 Diabetes, consult your doctor today and ask the following questions¹³:

1. What is a urine protein screening?
2. What signs or symptoms of kidney disease should I be aware of?
3. How do I take care of my kidneys and reduce my risk for heart disease and stroke?

How does Diabetes affect the heart?

Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart.  People with diabetes are also more likely to have other conditions like high blood pressure, too much “bad” cholesterol and high triglycerides that raise the risk for heart disease.¹⁴

If you have diabetes, consult your doctor today about preventing heart disease and ask the questions below¹⁷.

1. What can I do to lower my risk of heart disease and stroke?
2. Are there programs that can help me manage my condition?
3. Do any of my medications help me manage my risks for heart disease or other complications

What can you do if you have diabetes?

1. Understand: Find out more about your condition and how to manage it early.
2. Consult: Have conversations with your doctor about the care and treatment that is most appropriate for you.
3. Lifestyle: Make lifestyle changes. Eat healthily, exercise regularly, take the stairs, track your food intake, reduce alcohol intake.¹⁸

Tips to keep your heart and kidneys healthy^12,19

The following are the cornerstone of a good diabetes management plan:

1. A1c: Get an A1c test at least twice a year, more often if your medicine changes. Keep your blood sugar levels in your target range as much as possible.
2. Blood pressure: Check your blood pressure regularly and keep it < 130/80 mm/Hg.
3. Cholesterol: Manage your cholesterol levels, keep your LDLs low and HDLs high.
4. Diet: Eat foods low in salt; Eat more fruits and vegetables.
5. Exercise: Be physically active.

References:

1. International Diabetes Federation. Type 2 diabetes. https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/type-2-diabetes.html (accessed 5 May 2025)
2. IDF Atlas 10th Edition 2021. IDF. https://diabetesatlas.org/idfawp/resource files/2021/07/IDF_Atlas_10th_Edition_2021.pdf (accessed 5 May 2025)
3. Let’s BEAT Diabetes. Healthhub Singapore. https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/87/diabetes-mellitus (accessed 5 May 2025)
4. IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th edition, 2021, Available from: www.diabetesatlas.org (accessed 5 May 2025)
5. Organs Talk. Learn about type 2 diabetes and the interconnected systems. https://www.organs-talk.com/t2d/interconnected-systems (accessed 5 May 2025)
6. The Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration. JAMA 2015;314:522. Wen C et al. Kidney Int 2017;92:388
7. Sarraf M et al. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2009;4:2013
8. Let’s BEAT Diabetes. Healthhub Singapore. https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/87/diabetes-mellitus (accessed 5 May 2025)
9. Organs Talk. Learn about type 2 diabetes. https://www.organs-talk.com/t2d/about-t2d (accessed 5 May 2025)
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-chronic-kidney-disease.html (accessed 5 May 2025)
11. National Kidney Foundation. Does Type 2 Diabetes Increase Your Risk for Kidney Disease? https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/does-type-2-diabetes-increase-your-risk-kidney-disease-yes (accessed 5 May 2025)
12. Skolnik, N.S., Style, A.J. Importance of Early Screening and Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Ther 12, 1613–1630 (2021)
13. National Kidney Foundation. Does Type 2 Diabetes Increase Your Risk for Kidney Disease? https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/does-type-2-diabetes-increase-your-risk-kidney-disease-yes (accessed 5 May 2025)
14. Know Diabetes by Heart. Questions to Ask Your Doctor. https://www.knowdiabetesbyheart.org/articles/kidney-questions-to-ask-your-doctor-if-you-have-diabetes/ (accessed 5 May 2025)
15. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes and Your Heart. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-your-heart.html (accessed 5 May 2025)
16. American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Can Affect Your Heart. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/type-2/diabetes-and-your-heart/diabetes-affect-your-heart (accessed 5 May 2025)
17. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes and Your Heart. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-your-heart.html (accessed 5 May 2025)
18. Organs Talk. Learn about type 2 diabetes. https://www.organs-talk.com/t2d/about-t2d (accessed 5 May 2025)
19. Managing Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Risks. Know Diabetes by Heart. https://www.knowdiabetesbyheart.org/ (accessed 5 May 2025)
20. HealthHub. Different Types of Physical Activity. https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/387/TypesOfActivities (accessed 5 May 2025)
21. Diabetes UK. Diabetes and exercise. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/exercise (accessed 5 May 2025)

Document No: NP-PH-100305  | Production Date: May 2025