At Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, doctors diagnosed Duong with a myocardial infarction. His coronary arteries showed 70% narrowing due to atherosclerosis, compounded by grade one obesity and high blood sugar levels. Duong, a type 2 diabetes patient, had discontinued his prescribed medication for two years, choosing instead to rely on dietary supplements and lifestyle modifications.

Doctor Tran Thuy Ngan, an endocrinology and diabetes specialist at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, explained that obesity and diabetes are critical risk factors for cardiovascular damage. Duong's non-adherence to his diabetes treatment caused his blood sugar levels to rise and fluctuate significantly. This increased "bad" cholesterol, making his blood vessel walls vulnerable to damage and creating conditions for platelet adhesion and atherosclerotic plaque formation, which then narrowed the arteries. He also developed diabetic retinopathy complications.

"Early treatment and stable blood sugar control can slow the progression of complications and reduce the risk of myocardial infarction", Doctor Ngan stated.

Doctor Ngan consulting Duong during a follow-up visit. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctors instructed Duong to manage his blood sugar and lose weight. This approach aims to protect his blood vessels, minimize damage, and prevent further arterial narrowing.

Duong received new generation medication to manage his diabetes and aid weight loss. He also adopted a healthy diet, restricting sugar and fat, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and maintaining regular physical activity.

After three months of intensive treatment, Duong lost 12 kg, and his blood sugar levels were well controlled. Follow-up examinations revealed no further progression of his coronary artery narrowing. Doctors advised continued monitoring, indicating that stent placement was not yet necessary.

Doctor Ngan emphasized that macrovascular complications of diabetes increase the risk of coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and cerebrovascular disease by two to four times. Diabetics must maintain stable blood sugar and weight to prevent numerous complications.

Bach Duong

*Patient's name has been changed