If you have diabetes , you are more likely to have heart disease or problems and a greater chance of a heart attack or stroke. People with diabetes are also more likely to have certain medical problems, or risk factors, that increase the chance of heart disease or stroke. These factors include high blood pressure or high cholesterol. If you have diabetes, you can protect your health and heart by controlling your blood glucose (also called blood sugar), as well as your blood pressure and cholesterol. If you smoke, get help to quit.