Diabetes Significantly Increases Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

1/27/2026

During American Heart Month, DeTar Urges Prevention, Early Detection

Victoria, TX — The American Heart Association identifies diabetes as one of the strongest and most controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and local healthcare leaders are urging patients to take action. Adults with diabetes are at a much higher risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure, making diabetes management a critical part of protecting heart health—especially during American Heart Month.

According to the American Heart Association, people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease or stroke than those without diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves that control the heart, accelerating the development of cardiovascular disease.

“While we’ve made tremendous progress in treating heart disease, patients with diabetes continue to face significantly higher risks,” said Jolene Balboa, director of cardiovascular services at DeTar Healthcare System. “Diabetes doesn’t just raise blood sugar—it damages blood vessels, worsens cholesterol levels and increases inflammation, all of which place enormous strain on the heart.”

Diabetes and Heart Disease: A Growing Concern in Texas

Diabetes is widespread and growing—both nationally and locally. Today, 537 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, and Texas remains one of the hardest-hit states. An estimated 12 to 13 percent of Texas adults—more than 3 million people—have diabetes, while another 600,000 Texans are undiagnosed. In addition, nearly 7 million Texans are living with prediabetes, a condition that significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

“Many people don’t realize they have diabetes or prediabetes until heart complications appear,” said Leslie Kubecka, RN, diabetes educator at DeTar Healthcare System. “That’s why education, screening and lifestyle changes are so important—especially for people with a family history of diabetes or heart disease.”

“Those with diabetes are more than twice as likely to suffer from heart disease or stroke compared to those that do not have diabetes,” said Kubecka.

Why Diabetes Raises Heart Risk

The American Heart Association explains that diabetes contributes to cardiovascular disease in several ways:

• It raises LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides
• It lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• It increases blood pressure
• It accelerates plaque buildup in arteries

More than 90 percent of people with diabetes have at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, such as high blood pressure, obesity, smoking or high cholesterol—compounding the danger.

“Managing blood sugar alone is not enough,” Balboa emphasized. “Heart health requires controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, and lifestyle habits—especially for patients with diabetes.”

Prevention Makes a Powerful Difference

The encouraging news is that type 2 diabetes and heart disease share many of the same prevention strategies. Lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce risk.

“Simple lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular physical activity, stress management and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58 percent, according to the CDC,” Kubecka said. “Those same habits also protect the heart.”

Heart-healthy and diabetes-prevention guidelines include:

• Keeping blood glucose and A1C levels in a healthy range
• Getting at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days
• Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Maintaining blood pressure below 130/80
• Managing cholesterol, especially keeping LDL under 100 mg/dL
• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding tobacco use

“There are many risk factors we can’t control, but type 2 diabetes isn’t one of them,” said Dr. Mark Gonzalez, family medicine physician with DeTar Medical Group. “Working with your doctor to prevent or manage diabetes is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your heart and extend your life.”

Take Action This Heart Month

During American Heart Month, DeTar Healthcare System encourages individuals to get screened, know their numbers, and partner with a healthcare provider to create a sustainable plan for diabetes and heart health.

Have questions? Our diabetes education department will be on hand to answer questions at the Feb. 5 Heart Health Expo, which will be held at the Victoria Community Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To find a primary care provider or schedule an appointment, visit www.mydetardoctor.com.

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