Vascular Disease and Diabetes
Whilst we make every effort to ensure that the information contained in this patient information sheet is accurate, it is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. The Circulation Foundation recommends consultation with your doctor or health care professional. The information provided is intended to support patients, not provide personal medical advice. The Circulation Foundation cannot accept liability for any loss or damage resulting from any inaccuracy in this information or third-party information, such as information on websites to which we link.
What is Diabetes?
People who have diabetes are more at risk of getting vascular disease because their blood sugar levels have spent prolonged periods of time being poorly controlled and higher than normal. This affects the lining of the body’s arterial walls, making the inside of the blood vessels more likely to fur up, causing them to narrow (atherosclerosis).
People with type 2 diabetes are also more likely to have raised triglyceride levels and low HDL cholesterol, which further increases the risk of atherosclerosis.
There are two types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes (also referred to as early-onset, juvenile, or insulin-dependent diabetes):
Children and young adults are most likely to develop the condition over a short period of time (days and weeks). Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops releasing insulin. It is treated with insulin injections and a healthy diet.
Type 2 diabetes (also referred to as late-onset, maturity-onset, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes):
It is most likely to develop in those over the age of 40 years old (but can occur in younger people). It is more likely to affect those who are obese or overweight. The illness and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes tend to develop gradually (over weeks or months). Unlike Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas still produces insulin, but it may not be as much as the body requires, or the body’s cells are not able to use the insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance.
How Can I Prevent the Risk of Other Complications Like Vascular Disease?
In general, the closer your blood glucose level is to normal, the less likely you are to risk developing complications. Your risk of developing complications is also reduced if you manage any other ‘risk factors’ that you may have, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- High cholesterol levels
- An unhealthy diet
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
Therefore, you may wish to do the following:
- Keep active
- Eat a healthy diet and control your blood sugar levels
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- If you smoke, kick the habit
- Keep an eye on your blood pressure
- Be aware of any new conditions or changes in your body
- Have regular medical examinations at least once a year
- Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor
What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
Diabetic foot ulcers affect many people with diabetes. It’s believed that 1 in 10 people with diabetes will have a foot ulcer at some point. The ulcers are patches of broken skin, usually on the lower part of the leg or on the feet, that become infected. For those with diabetes, wounds on the legs and feet are less likely to heal. This is partly due to damage to the nerves caused by fluctuating blood sugar levels.
Effects of Serious Foot Ulcers
In the worst cases, some people with diabetes may have to have an amputation as a result of an ulcer. Less serious foot ulcers can take a long time to heal and cause a great deal of discomfort.
How to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Taking good care of your feet is crucial in preventing diabetic foot ulcers. It is recommended that people with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year by a doctor or healthcare professional.