Heart Health: Living with diabetes may reshape the heart long before symptoms appear |
Diabetes is talked about in terms of blood sugar, diet, and insulin. But the real damage can go much deeper. New research from the University of Sydney shows that type 2 diabetes does not just raise the risk of heart disease. It physically changes the heart itself. Over time, the heart becomes weaker, stiffer, and less able to pump blood. These changes stay hidden for years, until heart failure appears. Here’s what you need to know about how diabetes changes the heart.
Diabetes leaves marks inside the heart
The study looked at donated human hearts, not lab animals. Researchers compared healthy hearts with hearts from people who had diabetes and severe heart disease. The difference was clear. Diabetes altered the heart’s structure at a microscopic level. Muscle fibers were disrupted, and the heart lost its natural flexibility. This explains why people with diabetes face heart failure more often, even when symptoms appear late.
The heart struggles to make energy
A healthy heart needs a constant energy supply to beat around 100,000 times a day. It usually burns fat, glucose, and ketones. Diabetes interferes with this balance. Heart cells become less sensitive to insulin, so glucose cannot enter easily. As a result, the heart’s energy factories, called mitochondria, come under stress. A tired heart muscle slowly loses strength.
When stiffness replaces strength
One of the most striking findings was fibrosis. This means excess fibrous tissue builds up inside the heart muscle. Think of it like scar tissue spreading where flexible muscle should be. This stiffness makes it harder for the heart to relax and contract. Pumping blood becomes more difficult, especially during physical effort or stress.
Diabetes and ischemic heart disease: A dangerous mix
The damage was worst in people who had both diabetes and ischemic heart disease. This condition happens when the heart does not get enough blood due to blocked arteries. Diabetes added another layer of harm. Together, they created a unique molecular pattern that pushed the heart closer to failure. This helps explain why heart failure is common in long-term diabetes.
Why this study matters
Many earlier studies relied on animal models. This research examined real human heart tissue. That makes the findings more reliable and relevant. It shows that diabetes is not just a side condition. It actively speeds up heart damage. Understanding this link can change how doctors assess heart risk in people with diabetes.
Hope for better treatment ahead
By identifying problems in energy production and fibrous buildup, researchers have opened new paths for treatment. Future therapies may focus on protecting heart energy systems or slowing fibrosis. These insights could also improve how doctors monitor heart health in people living with diabetes, long before symptoms appear.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on findings from a published scientific study. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Anyone living with diabetes or heart disease should consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance.
