Diabetes is a condition caused by lack of insulin resulting in the body's inability to process sugar. Insulin and other drugs have made diabetes a manageable disease, but it remains a risk factor for heart disease. Increased blood sugar level is often accompanied by increased fat level, which can lead to atherosclerosis and other blood vessel problems. If you are a diabetic, carefully manage your blood sugar level. Dietary measures, weight control, exercise, and insulin or other anti-diabetic drugs can help.
Sedentary lifestyles lead to deconditioned hearts.
Like any muscle, the heart needs exercise to maintain its endurance and ability to pump blood. Exercise can help decrease your normal heart rate, lower blood pressure, decrease fat levels in your blood, and help control weight. The best exercise is aerobic activity that involves continuous movement such as running or swimming.