Version 5.0.0, 1 June 2026. First published June 2016. 003030-NDSS-W Key facts Diabetes increases your risk of heart and blood vessel disease, such as heart attacks and strokes. There are many things you can do to lower your risk like managing your blood glucose, blood pressure, blood fats and weight. Healthy habits help your heart and blood vessels stay healthy, like being active, eating well, limiting alcohol, and not smoking. Have regular health checks with your health professional to catch any problems early. Related pages Diabetes health checks Healthy eating Physical activity Diabetes-related complications Blood glucose monitoring Medications Find a health service Find a health professional or pharmacy in your area. On this page How diabetes impacts heart health Look after your diabetes for a healthy heart Have regular heart health checks When to see your health professional What this means for you More information and support How diabetes impacts heart health Having diabetes increases the risk of heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease, including heart attacks and stroke. Heart disease often begins when fatty material (plaque) builds up in the blood vessel walls. This narrows or blocks blood flow to the heart and brain, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. People with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease, and at a younger age. This is because higher blood glucose (sugar) levels can: damage blood vessels, making it easier for plaques to form raise the levels of some blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides) which cause a build-up of plaques in blood vessel walls cause blood vessel walls to stiffen (become less elastic) increasing blood pressure. But there are many things you can do to lower your risk and keep your heart healthy. Look after your diabetes for a healthy heart Most of the things you do to look after your diabetes also help protect your heart. Being more active: Regular physical activity helps keep your weight, blood pressure, blood fats, and blood glucose levels in a healthy range. It also makes your heart stronger, and better at pumping blood through your body. Choosing healthy food and drinks: Healthy eating also helps with your weight and blood pressure, blood fats, and blood glucose levels. Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats helps prevent fatty plaques building up in blood vessel walls. Maintaining a healthy weight: If you are carrying extra weight, losing even a small amount (5-7% of your body weight) can help improve blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and cholesterol levels. Not smoking: Smoking increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. Talk to your doctor or call the Quitline on 137 848. Taking your medicines: Your doctor may prescribe blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medicine (such as a statin) to keep your levels in a heart-healthy range. It is also important to take any diabetes medicines your doctor has prescribed to keep your blood glucose levels in a healthy range. Have regular heart health checks People often do not know they have heart disease until they have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. That is why it is important to have regular diabetes health checks. Finding heart and blood vessel problems early allows them to be managed before serious problems occur. Your diabetes health checks include key heart health checks, such as your: blood glucose level (HbA1c) blood pressure blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides) weight. Knowing your numbers and keeping them in your target range is key to reducing your heart disease and stroke risk. Ask your doctor about your targets and how often you should have these checked. When to get urgent medical help Call 000 straight away if you notice any of these symptoms, even if they go away. Signs of a heart attack Chest pain or tightness Shortness of breath Dizziness or fainting Weakness Feeling sick (nausea) Discomfort in the arms or jaw Signs of a stroke Remember F.A.S.T. Face: may be drooping on one side when you smile Arms: unable to raise arms up, or one arm may fall Speech: may be slurred or hard to understand Time: Act fast, time is critical When to see your health professional Make an appointment to see your doctor or diabetes health professional if: you have questions about how to look after your heart and blood vessels you have questions about managing your diabetes you are worried about your heart health you are due for a heart health check. What this means for you By managing your diabetes and having regular heart health checks, you can help keep your heart and blood vessels healthy and reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke. More information and support Talk to your doctor or diabetes health professional for personalised advice. Learn more about heart disease at the Heart Foundation website. Learn more about stroke at the Stroke Foundation website. Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 600 to talk to a diabetes educator. Find a dietitian near you on the Dietitians Australia website. Find an exercise physiologist on the Exercise and Sports Science Australia website. Disclaimer This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice and if you have any concerns about your health or further questions, you should contact your health professional. Sources American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standard of Care in Diabetes 2026, accessed December 2025. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability & Ageing, Physical activity and exercise guidelines for all Australians, accessed December 2025. Stroke Foundation, Signs of a stroke, accessed January 2026.
