Diabetes-Related Circulation Complications
About 80% of people with type 2 diabetes develop heart or blood vessel issues, including coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease.
Leading Cause of Diabetes-Related Death
Circulatory issues are the leading cause of death in people with diabetes, responsible for about 65% of deaths.
Widespread Effects
Diabetes can also affect smaller blood vessels and cause issues like retinopathy (and possible vision loss), nerve damage (neuropathy) in your feet and legs, and nephropathy which can damage the kidneys.
Causes
The main cause of circulatory complications in type 2 diabetes is high blood sugar. When your blood sugar remains high for too long, it can damage your blood vessels by causing:
Inflammation
Swelling and inflammation thickens blood vessel walls. They become less flexible, so it is harder for blood to flow through.
Plaque Buildup
Having too much sugar in the blood can cause fat and other substances to build up on the walls of your blood vessels. This forms plaque, which blocks blood flow.
Increased Blood Pressure
High blood pressure puts even more strain on your blood vessels, making them weaker.
symptoms
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes with circulatory complications will depend on which part of your body is affected. Some common symptoms include:
Numbness or Tingling in Fingers & Toes
If the blood vessels in your legs or arms are affected, you might feel numbness or tingling because your limbs aren’t getting the oxygen they need.
Slow Wound Healing
If you get a sore or cut that heals more slowly than usual, it can be because blood isn’t flowing to the injury to help it heal.
Swelling in Legs & Feet
Poor circulation can cause fluid to build up in your legs and feet, making them swollen.
Chest Pain & Shortness of Breath
If the blood vessels in your heart are affected, you might feel chest pain or have difficulty breathing, especially during exercise.
Blurred Vision
Damage to the blood vessels in your eyes can lead to blurred vision or vision loss.
Cold Hands & Feet
If blood flow to your extremities is limited, they may feel cold to the touch.
DiagnosIs
People with diabetes are monitored with a combination of one or more of the following tests.
Blood Sugar Testing
Your provider will regularly check your fasting blood sugar and/or A1c, which shows your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months.
Blood Pressure
Your provider will check your blood pressure regularly.
Cholesterol Panel
People with diabetes are at an increased risk for high cholesterol, so you will get your levels checked regularly.
Foot Exam
Your provider will check your feet for signs of poor circulation like numbness or sores that don’t heal.
Eye Exam
It’s important to get routine diabetic eye exams. Innovista providers are able to check your eyes and if more care is needed, they will refer you to a specialist.
Treatment
If you have circulatory complications from type 2 diabetes, your provider will focus on controlling your blood sugar, improving blood flow, and stopping further damage to blood vessels.
How We Can Help
At each of your checkups, your provider will monitor your blood sugar levels and may partner with one of our care coaches to create a personalized care plan for you. Our team will make sure you have the information and tools you need to manage your blood sugar and prevent complications.
For more specialized care, your provider may refer you to a cardiologist, endocrinologist, or nephrologist. Your care team will work closely with these specialists to develop a plan that focuses on your specific needs.
Looking for a provider?
Find one here or call us at
866-325-0301
