Diabetes and Vascular Disease: How Can They Effect You?

1. Diabetes and Vascular Disease: How Can They Effect You?

2. What Is Diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts the way your body metabolizes glucose, or sugar. Glucose is a crucial energy source that is used throughout the body. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.  • Type 1 diabetes –– also known as insulin-dependent diabetes –– is often diagnosed in childhood. For those affected with this condition, the pancreas produces little or no insulin –– making it necessary to take insulin daily.  • Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, making up 90 to 95 percent of all cases. Type 2 diabetics either don’t produce enough insulin or become resistant to their own over time. In either case, these individuals need to receive insulin through medication. Lifestyle modifications are often helpful to help gain control of high blood sugar levels. 

3. Diabetes and Vascular Disease Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to many health problems, some potentially fatal. Vascular disease –– which involves any abnormal condition of the blood vessels –– is one of the more severe complications. But why do diabetics suffer from vascular damage in the first place? The reason is relatively straightforward. When diabetes is not properly controlled, the result is too much glucose circulating in the blood. This damages the blood vessels, which leads to various vascular diseases.

4. Retinopathy This diabetic eye disease has two variations: diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema (DME). Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in diabetics and also increases the risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy occurs as a result of changes to blood vessels in the retina. Vision can become distorted; in severe cases, you can go blind.  DME involves swelling of a specific area of the retina called the macula. This condition often goes unnoticed until vision is already affected. Symptoms of DME include recurring floating spots and blurred vision. 

5. Nephropathy Another diabetic vascular disease is nephropathy, which is a form of kidney disease. When an individual’s blood sugar is too high, the blood vessels in their kidneys can become damaged. When this occurs, the kidneys are unable to filter waste from the blood effectively. This can lead to kidney failure. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are all risk factors for developing nephropathy. If you are at risk for nephropathy, keep an eye out for symptoms like swelling in the legs and feet. Your doctor may also recommend regular urine tests to look for potential signs of trouble.

6. Neuropathy Unfortunately, diabetic neuropathy is quite common, affecting about half of diabetics. It tends to occur over long periods when blood sugar levels are not controlled.  High blood sugar can damage nerve fibers in the body –- especially in the hands and feet. As a result, people with neuropathy often suffer from pain and numbness in their extremities. They may also develop issues affecting their digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels, and heart health.

7. Atherosclerosis This potential diabetes complication can develop when there is damage to the endothelium. The endothelium is the cell lining within the walls of your arteries. Atherosclerosis can occur as the result of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. It can also lead to strokes. Although often considered a heart issue, damage from atherosclerosis can occur elsewhere in the body. Regardless of location, the same process occurs. A buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances form a plaque within the arteries that restricts blood flow. This plaque can burst and cause blood clots.  Symptoms like pain and blood vessel ruptures, usually develop in the middle years. 

8. Stroke Are you aware that strokes kill about 140,000 Americans a year? If you are diabetic, you are about 1.5 times more likely to have one. Strokes often occur due to blood clots that block blood flow to the brain. This reduction of blood flow damages brain tissue and can cause severe and ongoing problems with mobility, cognition, and speech.  • The warning signs of a stroke include:  • Weakness or numbness on one side of your body • Sudden confusion or disorientation • Speech problems • Dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking • Vision issues • A severe headache

9. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Another diabetic vascular disease is called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD develops when blood vessels in the legs narrow or become blocked. This causes less blood flow to your legs and feet. It also puts you at greater risk for heart disease and stroke.  Your risk of developing PAD increases if you:  • Have diabetes • Smoke • Have high blood pressure • Have abnormal cholesterol levels • Are overweight or obese • Don’t exercise • Are over the age of 50 • Have a personal or family history of heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes

10. How To Reduce Your Risks For Diabetes and Vascular Disease If you believe you may have diabetes, we recommend contacting your doctor as soon as possible. They can educate you on how to control your blood sugar to reduce your risks of developing diabetic vascular disease.  • Medical recommendations may include: • Eating a proper diet for diabetes • Exercising regularly • Losing excess weight • Monitoring your glucose levels • Looking for symptoms of vascular disease • Visiting your doctor regularly for follow up 

11. Vein Disease and Treatment at USA Vein Clinics Vein disease, or venous insufficiency, is a common health condition. It occurs when veins are unable to efficiently transport blood from the legs back to the heart. Vein disease can cause pain, achiness, swelling, itchiness, and tiredness in the legs. It can also result in the development of painful, unsightly varicose veins and spider veins.  If you are suffering from vein disease symptoms, our vein specialists at USA Vein Clinics are available to help. Our nationwide network of 90 convenient treatment locations offers effective, minimally-invasive vein treatment. To discover which treatment is best for you, please contact us at 888.768.3467 or schedule an appointment online. For your safety and convenience, you can also opt for an initial telemedicine consultation with one of our vein experts.