Diabetes and its big risk factor for vascular problems
How Diabetes Increases Vascular Risk: Key Facts to Know
Diabetes and vascular conditions are closely related. People with diabetes have more risk of developing some vascular problems. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time.
There are vascular conditions linked to diabetes
Diabetes can lead to narrowing and hardening of the arteries in the legs, known as Peripheral Artery Disease or PAD. This can mean less blood flow to the legs and feet, causing pain, cramping and wounds to not heal well. Worse cases can lead to gangrene and having limbs removed.
Atherosclerosis, is a build up of fat spots (plaque) in the blood. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing these, which can affect many blood vessels, including those in the heart (coronary artery disease, see below), brain (stroke) and legs (PAD, see above).
There is also more risk of blood clots and plaque in the blood vessels in the brain, bringing with it more risk of stroke.
Diabetes is a big risk factor for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) or narrowing of the coronary arteries. This can lead to angina (chest pain) or heart attacks.
High blood pressure also poses a risk, because high blood pressure can mean more risk of vascular issues. As well, diabetes may damage the blood vessels in the retina, called Diabetic retinopathy. Following, this can lead to eye problems and blindness if left.
Blood vessels in the kidneys may also be at risk of damage or kidney failure. Nerve damage may also be caused by diabetes. Meaning poor blood flow, especially in the feet and lower legs.
Management is key
Managing diabetes and vascular conditions means keeping blood glucose within target ranges.
Eating healthy food and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol under control are all key for managing vascular risks. So, too, is doing regular exercise and not smoking or vaping.
Your vascular specialist or doctor may advise on medicine to control blood pressure or lower cholesterol, as well as medicine to help stop blood clots. People with diabetes need lots of checkins with their healthcare team to help reduce the risk of vascular problems.
More on carotid artery disease, is there a concern?
The carotid arteries are two major blood vessels either side of the neck that supply blood to the brain, head and neck. The right carotid artery and the left carotid artery. These arteries are vital for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the brain, allowing it to function properly. Strokes happen when there is a reduced blood flow to a part of the brain. Strokes can be caused by many factors. One common cause is the narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries. This condition is known as carotid artery stenosis or carotid artery disease.
How carotid artery disease leads to strokes
The most common cause of carotid artery disease is the build up of fatty deposits (plaque) on the inner walls of the arteries. Over time, this plaque can narrow these arteries and therefore reduce blood flow to the brain.
Sometimes, the plaque in the carotid arteries can break apart. When this happens, it can cause blood clots. These blood clots can then travel through the bloodstream until they get stuck in smaller blood vessels within the brain. This will block blood flow and may cause a stroke. This type of stroke is called an embolic stroke.
Even if there aren't blood clots, narrowing of the carotid arteries can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain. If this blood flow is restricted, it can mean oxygen and nutrients may struggle to get to the brain cells. This may cause cell damage or death. This type of stroke is called an ischemic stroke.
Stroke symptoms and carotid arteries
When a stroke occurs due to carotid artery stenosis, the symptoms can vary. Symptoms may include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, the person may have trouble with their speech or vision. Severe headaches and a loss of coordination may happen too. Following on from this, urgent medical help is vital if stroke symptoms are present.
Your vascular surgeon is an expert on carotid artery stenosis. To help prevent strokes caused by carotid artery stenosis, they may recommend lifestyle changes and medicines to manage risk factors. Risk factors include high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In some cases, surgery such as carotid endarterectomy to remove plaque or widen the narrowed artery or arteries will be needed.
Regular check-ups and monitoring by your vascular surgeon can help manage carotid artery disease and the risk of stroke. This may also include having regular ultrasound scans.
Seek medical help straight away if you suspect you or someone else is having a stroke, because quick intervention can help reduce brain damage for better outcomes.