FROM THE MAGAZINE
Connecting The Dots: Diabetes and Health
One fact that may not be discussed enough is protecting persons with diabetes’ hearts and ensuring long-term cardiovascular health.
With approximately 1 in 10 Americans living with diabetes, the connection between this condition and heart disease is critical to understand. People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, making heart protection a cornerstone of comprehensive diabetes care.
“The relationship between diabetes and heart health is one of the most important connections we educate our patients about,” says Allison Larson, LMSW, LPN with Floyd Valley Diabetes Education. “When we help patients understand this link and take proactive steps to manage their diabetes, we’re not just improving their blood sugar - we’re protecting their heart for years to come.”
Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves that control your heart, creating a cascade of complications that can develop silently over years. The longer someone has diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes, the higher their risk for serious heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke.
Cardiovascular disease remains the most common cause of death in people with diabetes, making early intervention and comprehensive management essential.
“What many patients don’t realize is that diabetes affects more than just blood sugar levels,” says Larson. “The condition creates a perfect storm of risk factors - high blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as increased inflammation - conditions that directly impact heart health.”
Floyd Valley Healthcare takes a team approach to diabetes management, recognizing that effective care requires addressing nutrition, medication management, blood sugar monitoring and cardiovascular risk reduction simultaneously. The diabetes education team works in-step with primary care teams to provide helpful information for understanding and managing diabetes through specially designed programs. This extends to cardiac rehabilitation for those patients needing services.
“Our diabetes education helps individuals successfully manage their diabetes,” says Kelly Wiese, RD, LD, CDCES, Clinical Dietitian/ Diabetes Educator. “Classes and services include nutrition education, medication management, proper exercise, how to monitor your blood sugar, long-term concerns and more.”
Floyd Valley’s comprehensive diabetes program includes several key components designed to address both immediate blood sugar management and long-term cardiovascular health. Patients receive education about proper nutrition, with registered dietitians providing personalized meal planning that supports both glucose control and heart health. The program also emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity, which research shows can reduce cardiovascular risk.
Diabetes management has been revolutionized by technology, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems that provide real-time blood sugar data.
Floyd Valley Healthcare stays current with these innovations, helping patients access and understand the latest monitoring and treatment options.
“We work with patients to understand their choices, from traditional blood sugar monitoring to the newest CGM devices,” says Wiese. “The key is finding the right combination of tools and strategies that fit each person’s lifestyle and needs.”
The ADA-recognized Floyd Valley Diabetes Self-Management Program emphasizes patient education. Participants learn to recognize the warning signs of both high and low blood sugar, understand how different foods affect their glucose levels and develop practical strategies for managing their condition.
Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including diabetic foot ulcers and other wounds that heal poorly due to compromised circulation and nerve damage. Floyd Valley Healthcare understands the unique challenges faced by diabetes patients and provides specialized wound care designed to promote healing and prevent additional complications. This proactive approach helps prevent minor issues from becoming major health concerns.
“Nutrition education is also fundamental to successful diabetes management,” says Wiese. “We work with patients to develop meal plans that not only help control blood sugar but also support heart health and overall wellness.”
Floyd Valley Healthcare’s nutrition services extend beyond basic dietary counseling to include practical solutions for busy lifestyles. The team understands that sustainable diabetes management requires realistic, achievable nutritional strategies that patients can maintain, including making healthy eating convenient and accessible. For patients who struggle with meal planning, the nutrition team provides resources and recommendations, including information about Floyd Valley’s Heat-and-Eat meals.
Don’t wait to take control of your health. Contact Floyd Valley Healthcare at (712) 546-7871 or visit floydvalley. org today to learn more about our diabetes education program and the services available to help you stay healthy.