Cardiometabolic Center
Helping Patients with Diabetes Achieve their Best Heart Health
Diabetes and Risk of Heart Disease
People with diabetes have a much higher risk of heart and vascular disease than those who don't.
The Bryan Heart Cardiometabolic Clinic was established to help individuals who have both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (or pre-diabetes) reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and progressive kidney disease.
A Dangerous Health Combination
One-third of patients older than 35 with diabetes develop cardiovascular disease. Risk factors contributing to these conditions include:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Tobacco use
- Lack of physical activity
Diabetes isn’t only linked to chest pain and heart attacks. It’s also related to other cardiovascular problems, including:
- Strokes
When blood flow to the brain is cut off, often resulting in significant disability and death
- Heart Failure
When the heart becomes so weakened or stiff, it does not pump well enough to meet the body’s needs
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Blockages in the arteries of the legs and arms
- Progressive Kidney Disease
Including increased risk of advanced kidney failure, requiring dialysis
Lowering Your Risk for Heart Problems
The good news is that if you have diabetes - even if you already have heart disease along with diabetes - you can take steps to help protect your heart and vascular health and try to prevent heart attack, stroke and heart failure.
Research has shown many people with type 2 diabetes and existing heart or blood vessel disease can benefit from adding a diabetes medication to help manage blood sugar and heart risks. But when it comes to managing diabetes itself, controlling blood sugar (and the Hemoglobin A1C) is not enough to provide protection from cardiovascular disease.
Newer diabetes medications have been shown to:
One Clinic Offers Coordinated Care
Patients of the Cardiometabolic Clinic have access to a dedicated team of specialists as well as a host of services specific to diabetic and heart care such as:
- Individualized treatment plans clinically proven to improve outcomes
- Medication assistance, including thorough education from nursing and/or pharmacy on how to administer medications and support with prior authorizations and patient assistance programs to help you afford your prescription medications
- Participation in the nationwide Cardiometabolic Center Alliance registry
- Opportunities for inclusion in clinical trials
- One-on-one consultation with a dietitian specializing in diabetes
- Personal counseling by a clinical pharmacist
Specialists will meet one-on-one with you to customize your care plan. Our team consists of:
Preventative cardiologists
Physicians focused on the prevention, care, and treatment of cardiovascular disease
Advanced practice providers
Partner with the preventative cardiologist to provide care and treatment
Clinical pharmacists
Work directly with physicians, advanced practice providers and patients to ensure the medications prescribed promote your overall health and wellness and that you can tolerate the medicine
Diabetes educators
Health professionals who have received additional education in diabetes and work alongside you, providing guidance and encouragement related to diabetes care
Nurse navigators
Your advocate; nurse navigators guide you through treatment processes and connect you with needed resources
Dietitians
Experts on nutritional issues who work with you to promote better overall health through healthy foods
Diabetologist
Physician who specializes in the study, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes
Certified medical assistants
Provide support with prior authorizations and patient assistance programs (for those eligible) to help patients find affordable options for prescription medications
