Final answer:
Diabetes and heart disease are linked because high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of heart disease. Diabetes can also cause other risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diabetes and heart disease often go hand in hand because the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can lead to damage in the blood vessels. This damage increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. If the arteries supplying blood to the heart become blocked, it can result in a heart attack.
Additionally, diabetes can also cause other risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. These combined factors contribute to the increased prevalence of heart disease among individuals with diabetes.