The human body largely consists of intricately woven systems that work in perpetual harmony. At the very core, this is what allows the body to function optimally. Unfortunately, having these divergent yet linked systems can also lead to disease-sharing pathways.
The vascular system, in particular, runs virtually through the entire body. When compromised, the effects can spread to most parts of the system’s reach. Diabetes and peripheral artery disease are just a few of the conditions that can affect the vascular system.
On their own, both diabetes and peripheral artery diseases can adversely affect your health. When combined, the link between diabetes and peripheral artery disease can have untold consequences on the body. Early intervention by vascular specialists can help manage and improve the vascular system.
One of the main effects of diabetes is the total disruption of metabolic functioning. This includes the vastly expansive network of blood vessels. Diabetes also leads to blood sugar elevation, which then leads to atherosclerosis. Many of these symptoms have been identified as contributing factors for high blood pressure.
On the other hand, peripheral artery disease is a circulatory disorder that is accelerated by narrow and constricted arteries in the body’s extremities. As previously mentioned, diabetes has a direct link to the narrowing of the blood vessels. This paints a clear picture of how these two vascular conditions feed off each other.
An early sign that these diseases are concurrently developing in the same vascular system is the significant reduction of blood flow in the limbs. In addition, damaged and narrowed blood vessels can lead to an array of complications in the body. Some of the accompanying diseases associated with this insidious link include ischemia and claudication.
Evidently, the longer these conditions go unchecked, the more havoc they will wreak on the body. Once vascular experts identify this link, it is often a race against time to prevent more conditions from developing.
Other common complications tied to the combination of these conditions include;
- Change in cell structure – Diabetes affects the lining of the cells and can lead to improper blood flow, which can contribute to PAD
- Resistance to insulin – Diabetes affects the way your body interacts with insulin. The consequent imbalance in bodily substances and chemicals can lead to PAD
- Blood clotting – Diabetes also leads platelets to clump together regularly, which can speed up the development of peripheral artery disease
Essentially, diabetes is a vascular complication that results in the blood having too much sugar. Over time, this degrades blood vessels and the heart. Consequently, this creates the perfect conditions for peripheral artery disease to develop.
Here’s what you can generally do to reduce the chances of developing these two conditions. Some of the common health practices include;
- Regular exercise
- Maintaining optimum body weight
- Managing tobacco consumption
- Blood pressure management
- LDL cholesterol management
Ultimately, timely intervention by vascular specialists is by far the most effective way of dealing with the link between diabetes and peripheral artery disease. Washington Vascular Specialists are equipped and dedicated to help you improve your vascular health. Contact the experts today to begin the journey to successfully managing diabetes and peripheral artery disease.
