Diabetes and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Diabetes is a lifelong (chronic) condition where your body has a hard time using sugar (glucose) for energy. This makes your blood sugar level too high. It puts you at high risk for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This is a disease of arteries in the legs. If you have PAD, arteries in other parts of your body are likely diseased, too. That puts you at high risk for other serious health problems. Read on to learn how diabetes can lead to PAD and affect your health.

How diabetes can lead to PAD

Diabetes can damage your arteries. If diabetes is not well controlled, blood sugar levels will be high. High blood sugar can make the artery walls rough. A waxy substance in the blood called plaque can then build up on the artery walls. This plaque contains cholesterol. This makes it harder for blood to flow through your arteries. This limits blood flow to your arms and legs. And it causes tissue damage. The feet are most at risk of tissue damage. If poor blood flow and tissue damage become severe, then toes, feet, or even legs may need to be removed (amputated). Blood sugar and cholesterol levels can be controlled. This is done with prescribed medicines, nutrition, and exercise. Stopping smoking and losing weight may help, too. It's very important for people with PAD to follow diabetic foot care guidelines. When needed, a surgeon can remove some of this plaque. They might even do a bypass surgery.

Cross section of peripheral artery with plaque buildup.

If diabetes is not controlled

Diabetes that isn't controlled can cause many health problems. They include:

  • Heart disease.

  • Stroke.

  • Kidney damage or kidney failure (nephropathy).

  • Liver disease.

  • Digestion problems.

  • Nerve damage (neuropathy).

  • Eye damage (retinopathy).

  • Sexual problems.

  • Gum (periodontal) disease.

  • The need to have a toe, foot, or leg removed (amputated) if you also have PAD.

If diabetes is controlled

Controlling your diabetes can lower your risk for serious health problems. These include:

  • Heart disease.

  • Stroke.

  • Kidney disease.

  • Eye disease.

  • Nerve damage (neuropathy).

  • The need to have a toe, foot, or leg removed.