Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases that causes high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period of time. Diabetes can cause several serious complications if it isn’t treated. This includes cardiovascular disease and complications.
Diabetes is one of the most common and known cardiovascular diseases.
What is less known is that it has a great impact on Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). In fact, besides hypertension, diabetes is one of the main risk factors for PAD. The risk of developing PAD is proportional to the severity and duration of diabetes.
All the risk factors of PAD can be controlled which prevents the development of the disease and slows its progression. For diabetics the most important thing is to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range. Regular physical activity is important, as well as special footwear and potential medications.
Diabetes treatment
Discovering PAD in diabetic patients is no different from the standard procedure. In any case, to successfully determine whether there is a potential blockage in the arteries (PAD), an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test must be done. When a physician determines that PAD is present in a patient, treatment of the condition can begin.
PAD treatment is based around managing cardiovascular risk factors such as quitting smoking, walking and exercising, keeping your HbA1c under 6.5%, lowering blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. Physicians also often opt for Aspirin and other antiplatelet medicines, that effectively help with treatment.
Read more about:
>> HOW IS AN ANKLE-BRACHIAL INDEX (ABI) TEST PERFORMED?
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19896746
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-complications/peripheral-arterial-disease.html
