Does Victoza Improve Heart Health in People with Diabetes?
It is likely that if you are living with diabetes, you may face many challenges in regard to it. One of the major challenges of diabetes is the increased risk of cardiovascular events. In recent years, there has been a rising interest in therapeutic medications that have the benefit of not only managing blood glucose levels but also preventing heart disease. One such promising drug is Victoza, which has proven to be effective in improving your heart health. It is our intention in this blog post to share how Liraglutide helps manage cardiac health in people with type 2 diabetes who are taking the medication.
We will also discuss how people having diabetes are more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases and what they can do for better heart health. In addition, if you have diabetes, buy Victoza online to manage your blood sugar and healthy heart.
How Does Victoza Improve Heart Health in People with Diabetes?
Victoza offers benefits not only for blood sugar control but also for cardiovascular health. In the first place, the drug promotes weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. Weight reduction can improve cardiovascular health by reducing the burden on the heart and reducing the number of risk factors associated with obesity, such as higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The second benefit of the drug is that it has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for the effective utilization of glucose by cells. Therefore, people with diabetes are able to maintain better glycemic control, which reduces the strain on their cardiovascular system. Additionally, victoza 6 mg/ml injection reduces inflammation, improves blood vessel function, and minimizes oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system. Combined, these actions prevent the development of atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque in your arteries) and heart diseases.
Is Victoza Approved for Treating Heart Diseases in People with Diabetes?
The American Journal of Managed Care reported that the FDA has approved Victoza for treating heart disease in those with type 2 diabetes. The approval is based on the results of the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results or LEADER trial presented in June 2016. In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and existing cardiovascular disease, liraglutide can reduce the risk of three major cardiovascular events. In June 2017, an FDA advisory panel voted to update Victoza’s label to reflect its heart benefits. As a result of the LEADER trial, the advisors voted 17-2 for adding the indication on heart health. In comparison to placebo, Victoza treatment led to:
- A 22% reduction in cardiovascular mortality
- Non-fatal heart attacks are 12% less likely to occur (this result does not appear to be statistically significant, so it is possible this is a coincidence)
- An 11% reduction in stroke risk (not statistically significant)
A total of 608 people with diabetes in the Victoza group suffered one of these three negative events (13.0%), compared to 694 people in the placebo group (14.9%). Victoza also showed a 22% reduction in kidney disease risk and a 31% reduction in hypoglycemia risk. For any diabetes drug, these results are among the best we’ve ever seen.
The announcement is a win for both people with diabetes and their doctors and nurses, who can now openly talk about Victoza’s heart benefits. It is because it is on the drug’s label (if not on the label, people cannot officially discuss it). In light of the strong link between diabetes and heart disease, the results of LEADER are extremely promising for the long-term use of victoza 6 mg/ml injection.
Why Are People with Diabetes at Risk of Heart Disease?
People with diabetes may eventually suffer nerve damage and blood vessel damage as a result of high glucose levels in their blood. Glucose is typically used by body tissues as an energy source. As a form of glycogen, it is stored in the liver. It is possible for glucose to remain in your bloodstream and leak out of your liver, causing damage and blockages to your blood vessels and nerves. Blockages in coronary arteries make it difficult for blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart. Diabetes increases your heart disease risk.
In order to manage diabetes properly, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels. As directed by your doctor, monitor your levels with a self-monitoring device. You should bring a journal of your levels to your next medical appointment so you and your doctor can discuss them. Diabetes can also increase your risk of heart disease by the following factors:
1. High Blood Pressure
One of the most common risk factors for heart disease in people with diabetes is high blood pressure. It damages your blood vessels and strains your heart. As a result, you are more likely to develop complications such as:
- heart attack
- stroke
- kidney problems
- vision issues
You’re twice as likely to develop heart disease if you have diabetes and high blood pressure. It can be managed by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medications as prescribed by your doctor.
2. High Cholesterol
In people with diabetes, blood fat levels like cholesterol and triglycerides tend to be poorly managed. Moreover, they can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. If you have too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and not enough HDL (“good”) cholesterol, fatty plaque may build up in your blood vessels. In turn, this can lead to blockages, heart attacks, and strokes. You can still manage and improve your cholesterol levels by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly, even if genetics play a role in most cases.
3. Weight Gain
Those with diabetes are more likely to be overweight or obese. Having either of these conditions increases your risk of developing heart disease. There are a number of factors that these conditions influence, including:
- blood pressure
- blood sugar
- cholesterol levels
It is possible to reduce the risk of heart disease by losing weight. Creating a healthy eating plan with the help of a dietitian or nutritionist is one of the most effective ways to lose weight. The importance of regular exercise in weight management also cannot be overstated.
4. Sedentary Lifestyle
Physical inactivity can also cause diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A healthy lifestyle, which includes exercise, weight loss, and lowering blood pressure, can reduce the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes. It is beneficial to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, such as sports, housework, gardening, or work-related activities. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week (or a combination of both) is recommended for overall cardiovascular health.
How to Improve Heart Health with Diabetes Naturally?
It’s well known that exercising and eating right can keep your heart healthy. In addition to keeping your ticker healthy, what else can you do? The five key things you need to do every day to help your heart work most efficiently are listed below. By adopting these habits into your lifestyle, you will be able to maintain optimal heart health.
1. Eat Healthy Fats and Avoid Trans Fats
The diet should contain fats, including saturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and unsaturated fats. Among the fats we don’t need is trans fat, which increases your risk of heart attack or stroke throughout your life. Trans fat blocks your arteries because it lowers your good cholesterol levels (HDL) and raises your bad cholesterol levels (LDL). Your blood flow throughout your body is improved when you eliminate them from your diet. So, what are trans fats? To add flavor and texture to packaged baked goods, snack foods, margarine, and fried fast foods, these fats are manufactured.
TIP: Make sure you read all food labels. In the ingredients list, trans fat is listed as partially hydrogenated oils. Trans fat should be zero percent. Don’t eat foods that contain trans fats.
2. Practice Good Dental Hygiene
A person’s dental health is a good indicator of their overall health, including their heart, since periodontal disease is linked to heart disease risk factors. The bacteria in the mouth can move into the bloodstream and cause an elevated level of C-reactive protein, which is a marker for vascular inflammation. As a result, your risk of heart disease and stroke may increase.
TIP: Brush and floss your teeth daily to prevent gum disease. You may have to deal with more than cavities if you have gum disease.
3. Get Enough Sleep
The importance of sleep in maintaining a healthy heart cannot be overstated. It doesn’t matter how old or healthy you are; if you don’t get enough sleep, you may be at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. If we get insufficient sleep, our bodies are disrupted, including our blood pressure and our inflammation. According to a 2019 study published in the Science Direct Journal, people who sleep fewer than six hours per night are about twice as likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack as those who sleep six to eight hours.
TIP: Sleep should be a priority. Sleep 7 to 8 hours most nights. As sleep apnea is linked to heart disease and arrhythmias, it should be treated.
4. Don’t Sit for Too Long at One Time
It has been shown in recent years that staying seated for long periods of time is harmful to your health regardless of how much exercise you do. People who work sedentary jobs all day are in for bad news. You are also more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot) if you sit for long periods of time (especially while traveling). According to a 2020 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine involving nearly 800,000 people found that people who sat most experienced 147 percent more cardiovascular events and 90 percent more deaths due to these events when compared to those who sat less.
TIP: Keep moving throughout the day. You can also take a few short walks throughout the day or use a standing workstation to move around. Don’t forget to exercise most days.
5. Avoid Secondhand Smoke Like the Plague
When exposed to secondhand smoke, nonsmokers with high blood pressure or high cholesterol are even more likely to develop heart disease. Tobacco smoke emits chemicals that contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. The risk of developing heart disease is about 25 to 30 percent higher for people exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work. Approximately 34,000 premature heart disease deaths and 7,300 lung cancer deaths are caused by tobacco smoke each year, according to the American Heart Association.
TIP: Keep yourself and your children away from secondhand smoke by being firm with smokers and stating your objection to environmental smoke.
Make sure you follow these five tips, and you’ll be doing your heart a favor. Heart-healthy lifestyles will improve your health and allow you to stay active. Also, taking a moment to acknowledge your blessings each day can help you tap into other positive emotions. They are linked to good health, longer lives, and higher well-being, whereas their opposites – chronic anger, worry, and hostility – are linked to high blood pressure and heart disease. Additionally, you can buy Victoza online from the best Canadian online pharmacy, Polar Bear Meds, at affordable prices.
Wrapping Up
Victoza is a medication commonly used to manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, and has shown promising benefits for heart health. Not only does it aid in weight loss, reducing strain on the heart, but it also improves insulin sensitivity, reducing cardiovascular stress. The drug has been approved for treating heart disease in type 2 diabetes, demonstrating a significant reduction in cardiovascular events.
People with diabetes face an increased risk of heart disease due to factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, weight gain, and a sedentary lifestyle. To promote better heart health, adopting habits such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoiding secondhand smoke is crucial. These lifestyle choices, combined with medications like Victoza, contribute to a complete approach to managing diabetes and safeguarding heart health.