Why does diabetes affect vascular system

Some patients meet a vascular surgeon for the first time in the emergency room, when they need immediate treatment for vascular problems like an abdominal aortic aneurysm, or no blood flow to their feet. In life or death situations, blood sugar is not usually checked. For non-emergency patients, an HbA1c blood test the most accurate way to determine recent blood sugar levels over the prior three months, Dr.

Jordan said, and is preferred over a quick test that checks a single glucose level at one point in time. But for these vascular patients, Dr. Jordan said, checking HbA1c is not currently a standard procedure. Here are some other things to consider:. For more information, download and share the Society for Vascular Surgery patient flier on diabetes in English or Spanish.

We are a not-for-profit professional medical society, composed primarily of vascular surgeons, that seeks to advance excellence and innovation in vascular health through education, advocacy, research, and public awareness. The SVS Foundation is committed to the public's vascular health. Please support the work of our mission today. Skip to main content.

There are several types of diabetes:. As a result, the body cannot produce insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter and fuel the cells. To survive, individuals with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day. Gestational diabetes occurs in some women who have high blood glucose levels during pregnancy but have never had diabetes. There are 41 million Americans who have prediabetes, in addition to the If you do not manage your diabetes or maintain healthy habits, you could develop serious health conditions, including blindness, severe kidney disease, stroke, heart attack, sores in your feet, or gangrene dead tissue that could lead to infection and eventually to amputation.

Diabetes causes vascular disease if there is too much glucose in the blood. This excess glucose damages the blood vessels. Type 2 diabetes is associated with older age, obesity, physical inactivity, a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, and race and ethnicity.

Prediabetes is a serious medical condition that can be treated. The good news is that the Diabetes Prevention Program study conclusively showed that people with prediabetes can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making changes in their diet and increasing their level of physical activity.

Some medications may help in preventing diabetes. See your doctor for more information. Lifesaving tips for Diabetes. PAD and Diabetes. Vascular Cures is inviting patients and advocates to share their stories, advise on our programs, and help us advocate for patient needs. Patients as Partners is a community where patients are heard, empowered, and encouraged to impact the health system. Learn more and request more information.

Donate Here Chances are that you or someone you know is affected by vascular disease. Decreased blood flow to the heart can cause a heart attack. Decreased blood flow to the brain can cause a stroke. Hardening of the arteries can happen in other parts of the body too. PAD is often the first sign that a person with diabetes has cardiovascular disease. Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart.

People with diabetes are also more likely to have other conditions that raise the risk for heart disease:. None of these conditions has symptoms. Your doctor can check your blood pressure and do a simple blood test to see if your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels are high. People with diabetes are also more likely to have heart failure.

This can lead to swelling in your legs and fluid building up in your lungs, making it hard to breathe. Heart failure tends to get worse over time, but early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve symptoms and stop or delay the condition getting worse.

Your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight will help your doctor understand your overall risk for heart disease. Your doctor may also recommend other tests to check your heart health, which could include:. These lifestyle changes can help lower your risk for heart disease or keep it from getting worse, as well as help you manage diabetes:.