Diabetes can damage your blood vessels over time because high blood sugar weakens their walls.
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Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition where the blood vessels in your legs or arms get narrow and reduce blood flow. When combined with diabetes, a condition where your blood sugar levels are too high, it can lead to serious health problems. If you or someone you know has diabetes, it’s important to understand how PAD can affect you and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
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Dr. Vivek Ukirde, Professor Dept. of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, LTMG Hospital, Sion, Mumbai
What Is the Connection Between PAD and Diabetes?
Diabetes can damage your blood vessels over time because high blood sugar weakens their walls. This damage allows fatty deposits, called plaque, to build up and block blood flow. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop PAD than those without diabetes.Dr. Vivek Ukirde, Professor Dept. of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, LTMG Hospital, Sion, Mumbai explains, “Many people don’t realize that diabetes is not just about blood sugar—it’s a systemic disease that affects the entire circulatory system. PAD is one of its most serious complications and can severely impact mobility and quality of life.”
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
PAD can be tricky to spot because its early signs are often mild or go unnoticed, especially in people with diabetes who may already have reduced sensation in their feet or legs due to nerve damage. Some warning signs include pain or cramping in your legs when walking or climbing stairs, which usually stops when you rest, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or feet, wounds on your feet or toes that take a long time to heal, and shiny, discolored skin on your legs or loss of hair on your toes and feet. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Talk to your doctor about checking for PAD.
Dr. Avinash Gutte, Professor and Head - Interventional Radiology, Sir JJ Hospital
How Do Doctors Detect PAD?
Diagnosing PAD is easier than you might think. Doctors have several simple and painless tests to check your blood flow, such as the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), which compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm. If the numbers are lower in your ankle, it could mean you have PAD. Doppler Ultrasound uses sound waves to check how well blood is flowing in your arteries. A treadmill test helps determine the severity of leg pain while walking, and CT or MR Angiography provides a detailed picture of your blood vessels to identify blockages. The sooner PAD is detected, the easier it is to treat.
If PAD and diabetes are left untreated, the consequences can be severe. Blocked blood flow in your legs can lead to non-healing wounds or even tissue death, which may require amputation. PAD also increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Dr. Avinash Gutte, Professor and Head - Interventional Radiology, Sir JJ Hospital stresses, “Early detection and intervention are key. Many patients don’t realize the connection between PAD and diabetes, but simple lifestyle changes and regular checkups can significantly lower their risk.”
What Treatments Are Available?
There are many options to treat PAD and improve blood flow, even in advanced cases. Doctors may recommend medications to help manage blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure to prevent further damage. Angioplasty and stents can open up blocked arteries and improve blood flow without surgery. Drug-coated balloons and stents release medication to keep arteries open longer, while surgical options, such as bypass surgery, may be necessary in severe cases to restore circulation. These treatments can save limbs and improve quality of life.
Preventing PAD is possible with a few lifestyle changes. Controlling your blood sugar is crucial to avoid damaging your blood vessels. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, as smoking worsens both PAD and diabetes. Regular exercise, such as walking or swimming, helps improve blood flow, and a healthy diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables supports vascular health. Routine medical checkups are essential to catch PAD early and prevent complications.
Peripheral Artery Disease and diabetes together can lead to serious health problems, but with early detection and the right care, you can manage these conditions and avoid complications. Stay active, follow your doctor’s advice, and never ignore symptoms like leg pain or slow-healing wounds. By taking steps to protect your blood vessels, you can keep your legs healthy and stay on your feet for years to come.
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