How to Use This Calculator
What You'll Need
Recent Blood Test Results
HbA1c, cholesterol levels (total, HDL, LDL), and kidney function (eGFR)
Blood Pressure Reading
Your most recent blood pressure measurement
Health History
How long you've had diabetes and smoking status
Why This Matters
People with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease than those without diabetes. This calculator helps you understand your specific risk so you can work with your doctor to protect your heart.
Important Note
This calculator gives you an estimate based on medical research. Your actual risk may be different. Always talk to your healthcare team about your results.
How the Calculator Works
This calculator uses a simplified version of research-based formulas (like the UKPDS Risk Engine) to estimate your 10-year risk of heart disease when you have diabetes.
What It Looks At
Blood Sugar Control
Higher HbA1c = higher risk
Cholesterol Levels
High LDL and low HDL increase risk
Blood Pressure
Higher BP = more stress on your heart
Kidney Function
Kidney problems increase heart risk
Risk Categories
Understanding Heart Disease & Diabetes
Why Diabetes Affects Your Heart
High blood sugar over time can damage blood vessels and nerves that control your heart. People with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to have heart disease than people without diabetes.
The Connection
- • Blood vessels: High sugar damages artery walls
- • Cholesterol: More likely to build up in damaged arteries
- • Blood clots: Higher risk with diabetes
Good News!
Even though diabetes increases your risk, you can lower it significantly by controlling your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Small changes make a big difference!
You Can Control:
- ✓ Blood sugar levels
- ✓ Blood pressure
- ✓ Cholesterol
- ✓ Weight and exercise
- ✓ Smoking (quit if you smoke)
Heart Disease Risk Factors
Understanding what increases your heart disease risk
Things You Can Change
Work on these to lower your risk:
- Poor blood sugar control (high HbA1c)
- High blood pressure
- High LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
- Low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol)
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Not exercising enough
Things You Can't Change
These still matter, but focus on what you CAN control:
- Getting older (age 55+ has higher risk)
- Being male (higher risk than females)
- Family history of heart disease
- Having diabetes for a long time
💡 Even if you have risk factors you can't change, managing the ones you CAN control makes a huge difference in protecting your heart!
Lifestyle Changes to Protect Your Heart
Healthy Eating
Eat More Of These
- ✓ Vegetables and fruits
- ✓ Whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat bread)
- ✓ Fish (especially salmon, tuna)
- ✓ Nuts and seeds
- ✓ Beans and lentils
Eat Less Of These
- ✗ Fried foods
- ✗ Sugary drinks and sweets
- ✗ Processed meats (bacon, hot dogs)
- ✗ White bread and pasta
- ✗ High-sodium foods
Get Moving
Exercise Goals
- • 30 minutes of activity most days
- • Walking, swimming, biking are great
- • Start slow if you're not active now
- • Any movement is better than none!
Other Healthy Habits
- • Don't smoke (or quit if you do)
- • Get 7-9 hours of sleep
- • Manage stress (deep breaths, hobbies)
- • Take medications as prescribed
How to Get Accurate Test Results
Before Blood Tests
- Fast 8-12 hours before cholesterol tests (water is okay)
- Take medications as directed by your doctor
- Get tests done in the morning when possible
For Blood Pressure
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
- Don't drink caffeine 30 minutes before
- Use the correct cuff size for your arm
Regular Testing Schedule
Every 3 months: HbA1c
Every visit: Blood pressure
Every year: Cholesterol panel
Every year: Kidney function tests
When to Seek Emergency Care
Call 911 immediately if you have any of these heart attack warning signs:
🚨 Heart Attack Symptoms
- Chest pain or pressure (feels like squeezing)
- Pain in arm, jaw, neck, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cold sweat
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
⚠️ Don't wait! Call 911 right away - even if you're not sure it's a heart attack.
When to Call Your Doctor Soon
- Your blood pressure stays above 140/90
- Your blood sugar is often above target
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Swollen feet or ankles that won't go away