World Diabetes Day is observed every year on November 14 to raise awareness about diabetes, its growing global burden and the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and effective management. Did you know that more than 40% of people living with diabetes worldwide are undiagnosed? This may limit most people to the right access to treatment, care, and support they need to manage their overall health and quality of life.
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2026 is “Early action on Diabetes”, which emphasises the importance of earlier diagnosis, access to holistic care and mitigating stigma associated with diabetes. The health campaign focuses on:
Promoting early diagnosis through regular diabetes screening.
Identifying individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Improving access to timely treatment and quality healthcare.
Preventing complications such as heart disease, kidney damage and nerve problems.
Promoting awareness and mitigating stigma related to the condition.
The central message is that early detection and timely intervention can improve health outcomes and help prevent life-threatening complications.
Closing this gap in diagnosis is a global health priority. At this health event, global diabetes coverage targets supported by WHO Member States set a target for 80% of people with diabetes to be diagnosed by 2030.
Diabetes And Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Diabetes is a chronic lifestyle disorder, when blood glucose level is very high, as the body cannot make enough insulin, use insulin properly or both. If left unattended, it can damage several vital organs, particularly the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves.
One of the major health problems related to diabetes is cardiovascular disease. People living with diabetes have a higher risk of developing heart disease, heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular complications. Hyperglycaemia for a longer period can damage blood vessels, affect circulation and accelerate the accumulation of fatty deposits in arteries.
According to the American Heart Association, diabetes is a major controllable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Adults with diabetes are also more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.
Here are five ways diabetes can affect heart health.
Damages Blood Vessels
Persistently high blood sugar can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, cause inflammation and promote plaque formation. This condition is called atherosclerosis, which narrows and hardens the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. When the coronary arteries become blocked, it can trigger a heart attack.
Increases Blood Pressure
People with diabetes are highly prone to develop high blood pressure, which adds extra strain on the heart muscles and blood vessels. In some people, diabetes and hypertension can develop together, which can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke and heart failure.
High Cholesterol Levels
Diabetes can contribute to abnormal cholesterol levels, including increased LDL (bad) cholesterol, reduced HDL (good cholesterol) and increased triglyceride levels. An uncontrolled lipid profile promotes fatty deposit buildup in the arteries, increasing the chance of coronary artery disease.
Risk of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
High sugar levels in the blood promote oxidative stress and inflammation, which damage blood vessels and affect their normal functioning. In the long run, these changes contribute to cardiovascular complications.
Warning Signs of Heart Disease in People with Diabetes
People with diabetes should monitor for subtle changes in their heart health. Some people may observe typical heart attack symptoms, while others may have mild or less noticeable symptoms because diabetes-related nerve damage can affect pain perception. Common warning signs include:
Chest pain, tightness or pressure.
Shortness of breath.
Unusual pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Dizziness or light-headedness.
Cold sweats, nausea or vomiting.
Note: In certain cases, heart attacks can develop without any observable chest pain, especially in those with diabetes. Seek immediate medical help if a heart attack is suspected, even if symptoms seem mild.
How Can People with Diabetes Protect Their Heart Health?
Well, controlling blood glucose levels and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can help lower the risk of cardiovascular complications. Here are six preventive strategies.
Heart-Healthy Diet
Ensure you have a wholesome and balanced diet rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Include:
Whole grains such as oats, millets and brown rice.
Green leafy vegetables, fibre-rich fresh veggies and seasonal fruits which offer a good amount of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Pulses, beans and legumes provide plant-based proteins.
Nuts and seeds in moderate portions are loaded with healthy fats and antioxidants.
Healthy protein sources include fish, eggs and lean poultry.
Limit refined carbohydrates, sugary beverages, processed foods, excess salt, and saturated fats to support healthy blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Stay Physically Active
Regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity, promote blood circulation, regulate blood pressure and manage body weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming. Include strength-training exercises on at least two days per week, as appropriate for your health and fitness level.
Self-Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
Regular blood glucose monitoring helps evaluate how effectively diabetes is being managed. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice for fasting blood glucose, post-prandial glucose and HbA1c testing.
Keeping blood sugar within an individualised target range can help reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Manage Blood Pressure/ Cholesterol
Controlling blood pressure and lipid profile is important for augmenting heart health. Follow your physician's advice regarding medications, including blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering drugs when required.
Managing these comorbid risk factors is essential for reducing cardiovascular complications.
Quit Smoking / Limit Alcohol
Smoking is known to damage blood vessels, reduce oxygen supply and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Quitting tobacco can significantly improve heart health.
Restrict excessive alcohol consumption and discuss alcohol use with your healthcare provider.
Regular Heart Health Check-ups
People with diabetes should undergo regular health check-ups and reviews to identify cardiovascular risk factors early.
Depending on individual risk, a doctor may recommend:
Blood pressure measurement.
Lipid profile to assess cholesterol and triglycerides.
HbA1c testing to monitor three-month average blood glucose control.
Kidney function tests, including urine albumin assessment.
ECG or other cardiac investigations when clinically indicated.
Prompt assessment and appropriate treatment help prevent or delay serious cardiovascular complications.
Furthermore, your doctor may recommend additional cardiac tests based on symptoms, medical history and cardiovascular risk.
Conclusion
World Diabetes Day 2026 highlights the importance of early action in preventing and managing diabetes. As poorly managed diabetes can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke and heart failure, maintaining healthy blood glucose levels and monitoring cardiovascular risk factors are essential. Following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and attending routine health check-ups can help protect heart health and improve overall well-being.
References:
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-diabetes-day/2026
https://worlddiabetesday.org/
https://idf.org/news-and-resources/news/wdd-2026-27/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK597416/
Heart Disease and Diabetes
Rita R. Kalyani, MD, MHS, Brendan M. Everett, MD, MPH, Leigh Perreault, MD, and Erin D. Michos, MD, MHS.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470211825002313
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