Peripheral Artery Disease and Diabetes: Causes & Prevention

Q: What is the connection between peripheral artery disease and diabetes?

Diabetes causes high blood sugar levels, which can damage the inner lining of blood vessels. Over time, this damage increases the risk of narrowed or blocked arteries, leading to peripheral artery disease (PAD), particularly in the legs and feet.

Q: Can I prevent PAD if I already have diabetes?

Yes. You can reduce your risk of PAD by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco, controlling blood sugar levels, and regularly checking your feet and legs for signs of poor circulation.

Q: What are early signs of PAD in diabetics?

Early signs of PAD in diabetics include pain or cramping in the legs while walking (intermittent claudication), coldness in the lower legs or feet, discolouration, numbness, or wounds that heal slowly. These symptoms indicate poor blood flow and should be checked by a specialist.

Q: Is PAD in diabetics serious?

Yes, PAD is serious for diabetics. If not managed properly, it can lead to complications such as foot ulcers, infections, gangrene, and even amputation. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid long-term damage.

Q: How is PAD diagnosed?

PAD is often diagnosed using the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test, which compares the blood pressure in your ankle with that in your arm. Additional imaging tests like Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or MRI may be used to assess the severity of artery blockage.

Q: Can lifestyle changes alone help?

In mild cases of PAD, lifestyle changes can be highly effective. Regular walking, a nutritious diet, quitting smoking, managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and staying active are all proven to improve circulation and reduce symptoms.

Q: How often should diabetics get checked for PAD?

People with diabetes should get checked for PAD at least once a year, especially if they have risk factors like smoking, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Immediate testing is advised if symptoms such as leg pain or foot sores are present.

Q: Where can I find help for PAD and diabetes?

You can seek help at specialised centres such as Midas Care Clinic, which offers advanced vascular screenings and diabetic foot assessments. They provide expert consultation, early diagnosis, and personalised care for PAD and diabetes management.

Peripheral Artery Disease and Diabetes are closely connected, with one condition increasing the risk and severity of the other. Many people with diabetes are unaware of how it affects blood circulation, particularly in the legs and feet, until it leads to serious health issues.

Understanding this connection is vital for early detection and timely action. This article breaks down the relationship between both conditions, outlines the signs to look out for, and shares useful guidance on prevention and treatment.

What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral Artery Disease, commonly known as PAD, occurs when the blood vessels outside the heart and brain narrow. It mainly affects the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet. This condition results from fatty deposits, known as plaque, building up on the artery walls. Over time, this slows blood flow and causes discomfort during walking or physical activity.

Common Symptoms:

Pain or cramping in the legs, especially after walking
Numbness or weakness in the legs
Coldness in the lower legs or feet
Sores that heal slowly or not at all
Colour changes in the skin of the legs

How Diabetes Increases PAD Risk

People with diabetes have consistently high blood sugar levels. This damages the lining of blood vessels, making it easier for plaque to develop and harder for the body to repair damage. Additionally, diabetes reduces the body’s ability to sense foot injuries due to nerve damage.

Key Factors That Link the Two Conditions:

Damaged blood vessels due to high glucose levels
Increased inflammation in the arteries
Lower ability to fight infections
Reduced blood circulation in limbs

This is why it’s vital to monitor the health of your feet and legs regularly if you are living with diabetes.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

The combination of Peripheral Artery Disease and Diabetes can silently progress for years. Many patients only notice when the condition has reached an advanced stage. Early detection through medical tests can help prevent more serious outcomes, such as ulcers, infections, or in extreme cases, amputation.

Visiting the best diagnostic centre can make a big difference. A simple test like the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) can measure blood pressure in the ankle and arm to check for reduced circulation.

Treatment Options for Peripheral Artery Disease and Diabetes

Peripheral Artery Disease and Diabetes Specialist

Treatment usually includes a mix of lifestyle changes, medical management, and sometimes procedures. Each patient may require a different approach, depending on the severity of the condition and the presence of diabetes-related complications.

Standard Treatment Approaches:

Medications
- To manage blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
- To improve blood flow and prevent clotting
Lifestyle Changes
- Stopping smoking
- Healthy eating with a focus on blood sugar control
- Regular walking and leg-focused activity
Specialist Procedures
- Angioplasty (opening blocked arteries)
- Bypass surgery (rerouting blood flow)
- Endovascular therapy (minimally invasive options)

A peripheral artery disease specialist will guide which approach suits best, based on test results and health history.

Prevention: Lowering Your Risk with Everyday Habits

If you have diabetes, taking extra care can reduce your risk of PAD. Prevention starts with making better choices daily.

Practical Tips to Prevent PAD:

Keep blood sugar within recommended levels
Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol
Check your feet every day for cuts or sores
Walk daily to improve circulation
Visit your doctor regularly for foot and leg checks

By following these steps, it’s possible to delay or even avoid the complications associated with Peripheral Artery Disease and Diabetes.

Choosing the Right Care Team

Picking the right healthcare team is essential. Look for:

A clinic experienced in managing both diabetes and vascular conditions
Access to advanced diagnostic tools
Personalised treatment plans
Support for lifestyle coaching and diet

A trusted centre like Midas Care Clinic, known for its track record in PAD care, can give you confidence that you’re on the right path.

FAQs

Q1. What is the connection between peripheral artery disease and diabetes?

Answer: Diabetes causes high blood sugar, which damages blood vessels. This damage increases the risk of narrowed arteries, leading to PAD.

Q2. Can I prevent PAD if I already have diabetes?

Answer: Yes, through healthy eating, regular activity, not smoking, and regular foot checks. Early screening helps too.

Q3. What are early signs of PAD in diabetics?

Answer: Look for leg pain while walking, cold feet, discolouration, or wounds that don’t heal. These can all be early warning signs.

Q4. Is PAD in diabetics serious?

Answer: Yes. It raises the risk of ulcers, infections, and even amputation if not managed in time.

Q5. How is PAD diagnosed?

Answer: A simple test called the Ankle-Brachial Index compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm. Imaging tests may also be used.

Q6. Can lifestyle changes alone help?

Answer: In mild cases, yes. Walking, healthy food, quitting tobacco, and blood sugar control all make a big difference.

Q7. How often should diabetics get checked for PAD?

Answer: At least once a year or more frequently if symptoms appear.

Q8. Where can I find help for PAD and diabetes?

Answer: Specialised clinics such as Midas Care Clinic and top-rated diagnostic centres provide dedicated support.

Peripheral Artery Disease and Diabetes: What You Need to Know