Did you know 68% of people with Type 2 Diabetes over age 65 will die from heart disease, often without the classic chest pain warning signs? Diabetes can mask heart attack symptoms, making them “silent” but deadly.

In this episode of the Five Rivers Podcast, Sandeep, Chief Growth Officer at Heald sits down with Valerie Bachinsky, MSN, RN (Nurse Coach & Founder, NurseGuided Wellness) to explore:

- Why Type 2 Diabetes doubles to quadruples your heart attack risk

- The hidden connection between insulin resistance, inflammation, and atherosclerosis

- Why do many with diabetes never feel chest pain during a heart attack

- The overlooked drivers: stress, poor sleep, visceral fat, and sedentary habits

- Why focusing only on A1C misses the bigger heart risk picture

- One simple habit: a 10-minute walk after meals to lower glucose & protect the heart

- Nutrition truths vs. myths: plant-based power vs. the dangers of extreme diets (keto/carnivore)

- The mindset shift: progress over perfection for sustainable health

Whether you’re managing diabetes or preventing heart disease, this conversation will show you how small, consistent lifestyle changes can protect your heart, brain, kidneys, and beyond.

Visit HealD for more resources on diabetes management!