Diabetes and chest pain are related at least 50% of the time due to the risk factors for both diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease being so similar. Most people who develop diabetes will also experience some form of heart disease throughout their life. The effects of poorly controlled blood sugar levels can wreak havoc on the heart and blood vessels, which leads to further cardiovascular issues. According to data from the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, 68% of diabetics over age sixty-five had heart disease when they died. In addition, diabetics are also three times more likely to suffer from heart disease and stroke compared to non-diabetics.

Individuals who have Type 2 diabetes usually have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high triglycerides. All of these factors further complicate coronary artery disease leaving people prone to constriction and damaging of blood vessels, and build-up of plaque. As a result, …