Because diabetics experience higher levels of blood glucose, the blood vessels can become damaged. This has a negative effect on diabetes blood circulation. Diabetes blood circulation is one of the most dangerous complications associated with the disease. Diabetes causes blood vessels to harden, narrow or experience complete blockage. Poor diabetes blood circulation causes wounds to heal slower, giving them a higher susceptibility to the onset of infection. This sometimes leads to gangrene, amputation and mortality. Heart disease and stroke are other problems that can arise from diabetes blood circulation problems.
The feet are also in danger when diabetes blood circulation becomes impaired. Blood vessel damage in the feet has a domino effect, and it may cause tissue damage. When feet experience even the most minor cuts and scrapes, they have a high risk of becoming infected because of the delayed healing process of a diabetic’s skin. Throw in diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and there is a recipe for disaster. Because neuropathy causes a decreased sensation in the feet, diabetics often do not know when their skin gets a lesion. Diabetics should inspect their feet at least once a day for cuts. Diabetes is also known to cause the most cases of peripheral vascular disease. This illness causes poor circulation to occur in the feet and lets. This happens when the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart to the lower extremities of the body harden and thicken, making them unable to carry a sufficient amount of blood to them.
Help for Diabetes Blood Circulation Issues
One of the first things a person should do when they find out they have diabetes is talk to a medical professional who is informed about diabetes blood circulation. This person can offer guidance on managing blood sugar levels with medication and lifestyle changes. Keeping blood sugar levels under control is the most important thing to do to prevent diabetes blood sugar problems. Following a healthy diet and exercise program is also essential.
Smoking cigarettes is a risk factor for anyone, but diabetics are especially in danger when they use tobacco products. Quitting smoking and avoiding smoky situations is another effective thing for diabetics to do to prevent circulation problems from arising. Even if a person already is experiencing blood circulation problems, quitting smoking will help to prevent or delay further complications.
Diabetic footwear is another thing to be considered to help diabetes blood circulation. Shoes should be large enough and shaped appropriately for orthotic inserts. The type of sock a person wears can be beneficial as well. They should be lump-free, seamless and loose fitting. Circulation may also improve with compression or nonbinding socks. A doctor can help to decide what kind of footwear is best for each individual when it comes to diabetes blood circulation.
