Diabetes Vascular Complications

Life of a diabetic is not easy. Diabetics know there are a lot of health management that they have to do like monitoring their blood sugar and foot infection and also they must stay alert for eye problems.

They know what to do for health management, but one thing that many of them do not understand that the most common complications of diabetes stem from one primary issue and that is Hyperglycemia – the havoc that high blood sugar, which causes for the body’s blood vessels.

You know that blood brings oxygen to every living cell in the body. And when any of the blood vessels stop working properly, your body suffers.

People with diabetes are at higher risk affecting by any form of vascular disease, both symptomatic and asymptomatic. They should have regular checkups, doctor visits and tests. They may also need to see a specialist like vascular surgeon, podiatrists or ophthalmologists for checkups.

You might have no idea about this but high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels all over the body and cause many severe diseases or health issues.

Here are the most common vascular complications aggravated by diabetes: –

Diabetic eye disease

Diabetic eye disease caused by the diabetes’ effect on the vascular system. Oxygen supply to retina gets blocked when the tiny blood vessels in the retina become swollen. And this condition can become severe over time and can cause blindness.

How to avoid?

You must have a dilated eye exam at least once in the year. And always be alert for any changes in your vision or eye-sight.

Peripheral artery (or arterial) disease

This is commonly called as PAD, and this disease occurs when the blood flow to the feet and legs decreases due to plaque builds up in the arteries. Fairly common among elderly people. This disease is also very common in people with diabetes as this increases plaque buildups. Intermittent claudication could be the early sign for this disease. Intermittent claudication is leg pain, which comes when you walk or exercise and ends with rest.

How to avoid?

If you have no other health issues such as an ulcer on the foot, etc. then a daily walk is the best thing you can do to avoid peripheral artery disease. Walking will help in increasing blood flow to the legs and feet, this will eventually decrease leg pain. But, before you start doing it do not forget to consult your physician. And remember that the patients who have PAD symptoms should have regular checkups with a vascular surgeon.

Foot ulcers and peripheral neuropathy

Diabetic foot ulcers are not only the result or complication of PAD, but this also be caused by peripheral neuropathy. Lack of sensation in the feet can also be caused by diabetes. Even if the patient will get an open sore on their foot he will feel no pain. But, the sores that are left untreated can be really dangerous for people with diabetes.

How to avoid?

Frequent foot checks is good to prevent ulcers, also you can use proper diabetic footwear. Patients of foot ulcers should be evaluated by a vascular surgeon and a podiatrist.

Heart attack

Diabetes patients are at higher risk of heart attack, because diabetes affect the arteries supplying blood to the heart. Chest pain (angina) is the warning sign of a heart attack, but the patient with diabetes and heart disease may not have this typical symptom of heart disease like activity or any exercises that induce chest pain.

How to Avoid?

You know that prevention is the best cure. So, try to maintain your weight, cholesterol levels,and blood sugar. Report chest pain while exercising, or shortness of breath to your doctor. Follow your doctor’s advices to reduce cholesterol levels.

Smoking complications

Cigarette is injurious to our health and we know that this can damage our blood vessels. But, there is a significant increase in risk for the people with diabetes. Smoke of Tobacco causes inflammation, which causes plaque buildup. Blood vessel walls will be damaged easily with this, which contributes to bad cholesterol numbers.

How to avoid?

It’s really difficult for the smokers to quit smoking, but for diabetics it becomes necessary. You can call on any de-addiction helpline numbers, or can consult a physician for any advices on quitting smoking.

Reno vascular conditions

Diabetes can lead to kidney failure as this affects the blood vessels of the kidneys, which further leads to the need for dialysis or a kidney-transplant. Kidney failure usually have no symptoms until it is advanced and not reversible.

How to avoid?

For this again we would say that prevention is the best course of action. To detect early signs of kidney failure, you must see a doctor regularly for blood tests. Kidney problems are treatable on early stages with medications that could prevent kidney failure.

To learn or know more about diabetes and vascular disease, you must consult a vascular surgeon in Delhi or simply visit their website.

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