Home > Food & Health > Health > Chronic Diseases > Diabetes > Whole-grain Foods Lessen Risk Of Metabolic Syndrome Older adults who consume nearly three servings of whole-grain foods daily are significantly less likely to have "metabolic syndrome," a condition that increases the chances of developing diabetes and heart disease. Diabetes Triggers Strokes, Heart Attacks Young and mature adults, ages 18-44, who get type 2 diabetes are 14 times more likely to have a heart attack and up to 30 times more likely to have a stroke. LSU AgCenter Nutritionist Takes Diabetes Month To Heart (Distributed November 2004) Two of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Both women and men are at risk, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.