The Link Between AFib and Diabetes
Research indicates that Afib and diabetes are linked, as people who have diabetes are 40% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation.
People who have poorly controlled diabetes are at an even higher risk than individuals who have well controlled blood glucose levels.
How Diabetes Affects AFib Risk
If you have AFib or diabetes, your doctor should test you for both conditions. An EKG or Holter monitor can be used to diagnose AFib, while diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests. Tests measure of hemoglobin A1c, glucose tolerance, and fasting blood sugar levels.
A hemoglobin A1c level above seven is associated with a higher risk of AFib, and your chance of developing AFib rises by 3% for each year that you have diabetes.
Researchers have found that being diabetic is an independent risk factor for AFib regardless of weight and other factors. The risk may be related to inflammation and cardiovascular diseases that are common among individuals who have diabetes.
If you have diabetes, AFib, or both conditions, it is essential that you control both of them to the best of your ability in order to stay well and avoid complications.
Signs of Diabetes
Many people have diabetes or pre-diabetes without experiencing any symptoms. You may have diabetes if you experience the following signs and symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Sudden weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Wounds which heal poorly
- Excessive hunger
- Excessive thirst
- Blurry vision
- Frequent yeast infections
- Impotence
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in your fingers or toes
- Faintness
If you experience these symptoms contact your health care provider so that a diagnosis can be made and treatment may begin.
This will lower your risk for developing atrial fibrillation, improve your general state of health, and prevent complications of diabetes.
