Why are people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes more at risk for heart disease? Over time, high blood glucose can damage the blood vessels, putting people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes at a higher risk for atherosclerosis, or “hardening of the arteries.” Atherosclerosis also causes high blood pressure raising the risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Keeping blood glucose in the target range through self-care tasks, such as taking medications, eating balanced meals, and physical activity can prevent this damage to blood vessels and lower your risk of heart disease