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Home > Knowledge & support > Type 1 complications > Problems with heart and blood vessels
People with type 1 diabetes are more likely to experience high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Both conditions cause damage to the blood vessels. If the blood can’t flow around your body as it needs to, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
It could also cause a blockage of blood vessels to the legs and feet. This can lead to foot ulcers and infections. In severe cases, it can cause the loss of a toe, foot or lower leg.
Getting your blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure checked at least once a year should help manage your risk of developing problems with your heart and blood vessels. This will be done as part of your annual review.
Keep your heart healthy by managing your blood glucose levels within your target range as much as possible. It also helps to control your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet and be physically active whenever possible. If you’re a smoker, you can get help to stop.
Try to check your feet every day so you can spot any cuts and wounds and get them treated early. You’ll find more information on our foot problems page.
If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you’ll be given advice about making changes to your lifestyle. Some people will need medication to help.
Your Diabetes Healthcare Team or GP will give you more information about the treatments that are right for you.
Heart attacks and strokes are serious medical emergencies. If you think you’re experiencing a heart attack or stroke, call 999. You can find helpful information about spotting the signs on the NHS website.
Find out how we’re funding research to make type 1 complications a thing of the past
Learn how to manage your blood glucose levels, count carbs and deal with hypos and hypers.
Find out who can help when you have questions about type 1 diabetes complications.
Learn to spot the signs of retinopathy, how to reduce your risk, where to go for support and what the treatments are.
Good dental care and support is important if you have type 1 diabetes. Because of the extra glucose in your blood, you’re more at risk of gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss.
Living with type 1 diabetes can increase your risk of developing foot problems. Having type 1 reduces the blood supply to your feet and can cause a loss of feeling.
People with type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing kidney problems, called nephropathy. Learn about the signs, how to reduce your risk and what the treatments are.
Nerves carry signals between your brain and other parts of your body. Over a long period of time, high blood glucose levels can cause damage to your nerves.
Genetic studies have shown that the same genetic changes that increase the risk of type 1 diabetes also increase the risk of other autoimmune conditions.
