What is the Link Between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease? Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are closely linked, and heart problems are one of the biggest risks faced by people with diabetes. When blood sugar remains high for a long time, it damages blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. This, combined with high blood pressure and cholesterol, greatly increases the cha... https://www.freedomfromdiabetes.org/blog/post/what-is-the-link-between-diabetes-and-cardiovascular-disease/2645