Diabetes and heart failure are two chronic conditions that are linked together because both can be caused by obesity.

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine say that a patient who has both could be in trouble if they cannot carefully regulate their blood sugar levels.

Over the span of two years, they monitored more than 5,000 veterans who were receiving treatments for diabetes and heart failure, and found that patients with blood sugar levels close to recommended measures lived longer.

"Most doctors try to keep glucose levels of those with diabetes as low as they can to lower the risk of complications such as eye problems, kidney disease or the development of heart disease," said senior author Dr David Aguilar. However, he added that extremely low levels were also found to lead to poor outcomes.

Elements of whole food nutrition could help these patients or others looking to control their blood sugar. Many of the foods recommended by whole food diets are low in sugar, and research suggests that low-carb eating plans may aid in controlling glucose levels.