Its incidence has skyrocketed - more than quadrupling in past 30 years Individuals with Type II diabetes have a greatly increased risk of heart disease and stroke, and when they are afflicted it is more severe. Over the past several decades, deaths from heart disease have declined among the general population, but not among diabetics.
Cardiovascular disease is the tip of the iceberg.
When glucose builds up in blood stream, it damages blood vessels, eventually injuring the kidneys, eyes and nerves, cutting off circulation to the feet and legs. Artery damage may occur very early in the disease - before it is detected. Consequently, the body turns out more and more insulin in an effort to keep the blood sugar normal . That works for a while, but gradually insulin producing cells in pancreas wear out and blood sugar level begin to rise until diabetes develops. Insulin resistance itself is associated with heart disease, but it is not detectable with simple tests that can easily be performed as part of a checkup.