Diabetes is treatable, but even when glucose levels are under control it greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. That's because people with diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, often have the following conditions that contribute to their risk for developing cardiovascular disease:
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Abnormal cholesterol and high triglycerides
Obesity
Lack of physical activity
Poorly controlled blood sugars (too high) or out of normal range
Smoking