It is particularly critical the early diagnosis of diabetes and the prevention of cardiovascular disease, as well as 75% of people with diabetes die from acute myocardial infarction, heart failure or ischemic stroke. In our country over 1 million people have diabetes. Half do not know they have diabetes and already have subclinical cardiovascular disease. People with diabetes have a 2-3 times greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, reports Gerasimos Siassos, president of the Medical School of the Greek Academy of Sciences.

Inadequate regulation of ED leads to long-term complications which are:

-diabetic retinopathy which can lead to blindness,

-diabetic nephropathy which can lead to kidney failure and hemodialysis,

-peripheral vasculopathy and neuropathy that can lead to ulcers-infections in the lower limbs (diabetic foot) and amputation,

-cardiovascular events, such as acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and ischemic strokes.

Correct regulation of blood sugar significantly reduces cardiovascular complications, notes Mr. Siassos, adding that heart health and proper screening for early detection of cardiovascular complications is essential.

Useful tips to avoid cardiovascular complications

-Regulate your sugar

-Make sure your body weight is ideal

-Stop smoking

-Eat healthy and follow the Mediterranean diet

-Walk daily for at least 30 minutes

-Measure your blood pressure and adjust it

– Check your cholesterol

-Take the prescribed medicines according to the medical instructions

The Heart and Diabetes Working Group of the Hellenic Cardiology Society has organized a Clinic, with the close collaboration of cardiologists, endocrinologists and pathologists with diabetes expertise for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus or prediabetes.

The Faculty of Medicine of EKPA has a significant number of faculty members of various specialties and specializations, with active involvement in Diabetes Mellitus and obesity as a disease and accompanying co-morbidities. Special Diabetes Centers and Special clinics for cardiometabolic diseases and obesity operate in Laiko, Attiko, Ippokrateio, Sotiria and Children’s Hospitals. Additionally, special bariatric metabolic surgery clinics work closely together at the People’s Hospital, Hippocrates and Eugenides as an integral part of obesity treatment. Finally, specialized Psychiatry teachers have extensive experience in eating disorders.