April is Defeat Diabetes Month: Learn How Diabetes Impacts Vascular Health
According to the American Diabetes Association, 38.4 million Americans, or 11.6% of the population, had diabetes as of 2021. Of these, 8.7 million were undiagnosed.¹ You may think of diabetes simply as a disease affecting blood sugar. However, this “silent disease” can impact multiple systems within the body, including the vascular system. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in people living with diabetes.²
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Knowing the symptoms of diabetes is critical. Symptoms can be so mild that they go unnoticed, so it is important to have a yearly wellness visit with your physician that includes a blood sugar screening. Common symptoms of diabetes include:
Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Excessive hunger, even after you have eaten
Extreme fatigue
Blurry vision
Cuts or bruises that heal slowly
Tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet.
How does diabetes affect the vascular system?
Diabetes causes excess blood glucose if left untreated. Excess blood glucose can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, which is known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can lead to blockages that cause peripheral arterial disease (PAD), carotid artery disease, stroke or heart attack.
How can you manage diabetes?
If have been diagnosed or suspect you have diabetes, follow the instructions of your physician. You may be prescribed medications or insulin to help manage your condition. Making healthy lifestyle choices can also help manage diabetes and reduce the risk of complications, such as peripheral arterial disease. These healthy lifestyle choices include:
Regular exercise
A healthy diet
Stopping smoking
Getting regular checkups
Managing stress
Limiting alcohol
If you’re experiencing complications from diabetes, we may be able to help. If your physician has diagnosed you with peripheral arterial disease or another vascular condition, we may be able to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
¹ https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/statistics/about-diabetes
² https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/complications/cardiovascular-disease