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Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes Awareness month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Every November, communities across the globe recognize Diabetes Awareness Month. The goal of Diabetes Awareness Month is to inform the public about what it’s like to have diabetes. Some organizations push to find a cure for the disease. Others raise awareness of the risk factors and early signs of the disease. Still, others share information on how to manage diabetes and help prevent serious complications. 

National Diabetes Month’s focus is on highlighting prediabetes and sharing strategies to prevent diabetes from developing in the first place.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

  • Conquering Diabetes and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
  • The Role of Lifestyle Changes
  • The Promise of Minimally Invasive PAD Treatments
  • Risk Factors for PAD Infographic

At USA Vascular Centers, we highlight the condition during Diabetes Awareness Month as both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are major risk factors for PAD. 

Since type 1 diabetes is thought to occur due to genetics and environmental factors, much of the focus during Diabetes Awareness Month is on type 2 diabetes, which is more easily preventable.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes and are worried about peripheral artery disease, the knowledgeable vascular doctors at USA Vascular Centers can help. Our team comes highly recommended, and each doctor is an expert in diagnosing and treating PAD.

We often hear about diabetes and how it is a lifelong battle for people.  The most common form of this condition is type 2 diabetes, which affects the way your body uses insulin. Over 30 million people living in the United States are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [1]

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Conquering Diabetes and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

In the realm of health, few conditions hold as much power to quietly rob us of our well-being as diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD). While diabetes may steal our energy and vitality, PAD can steal our mobility and even our lives.  That’s why awareness is our best defense against these silent conditions and monitoring our health.

Between 8-12 million people over age 50 live with PAD and may not know. Symptoms can include leg pain, difficulty walking, skin discoloration and muscle cramps.

Unmasking the Menace of Diabetes

Diabetes often creeps into our lives unnoticed, only revealing its presence through a cascade of symptoms like increased thirst, fatigue, and blurred vision. While these red flags should serve as urgent warnings, we often allow diabetes to silently wreak havoc on our bodies.

The Link Between Diabetes and PAD

The toxic synergy between diabetes and PAD is a recipe for disaster. Diabetes, that disrupts blood sugar regulation, creates an ideal breeding ground for plaque buildup within our arteries. This sticky residue, like a clogging artery, constricts blood flow, depriving our legs and feet of the oxygen and nutrients they need.

The Perils of Untreated PAD

The deceptive nature of PAD lies in its ability to masquerade as age-related aches and pains. As the arteries become increasingly clogged, the pain intensifies, often disrupting sleep and hindering daily activities. But the consequences of untreated PAD extend far beyond discomfort.

The Path to Prevention and Healing

The good news is that we hold the power to challenge these conditions and reclaim our health. By addressing the root cause of diabetes with a combination of lifestyle modifications and medical interventions, we can reduce the risk of developing PAD.

The Role of Lifestyle Changes

Senior man exercising at gym with professional trainer
Physical activity can promote blood flow to the legs. For greatest effect, your doctor may recommend a supervised treadmill program.

Diet, exercise, and stress management are the cornerstones of diabetes prevention and management. By adopting a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, we can regulate blood sugar levels and prevent the excessive production of insulin. Regular physical activity not only promotes weight management but also enhances insulin sensitivity, allowing our bodies to utilize glucose more effectively. Stress, a silent yet potent foe, can also affect blood sugar control. Practicing mindfulness techniques like meditation and yoga can help manage stress and promote overall well-being.

Minimally Invasive PAD Treatments

At USA Vascular Centers, our skilled vascular doctors and interventional radiologists are experts in minimally invasive procedures that can restore blood flow and alleviate debilitating symptoms.

EXPLORE TREATMENT OPTIONS

Atherectomy: Chipping Away the Plaque

Imagine a tiny surgeon expertly maneuvering a laser or small blade through your arteries, chipping away the plaque. As the catheter shaves the plaque off of the arterial walls, it will collect the buildup in a chamber in the tip. When the blockage is removed, the specialist will remove the catheter that holds the plaque. This makes sure that the plaque accumulation does not stay within the body and is physically removed. That’s the essence of atherectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that can effectively clear the blockages and restore blood flow.

Angioplasty: Expanding the Arteries

When plaque is more stubborn, angioplasty may be the answer. In this procedure, a tiny balloon is inflated within the artery, compressing the plaque against the artery walls, widening the passageway and allowing blood to flow more freely.

Stent Placement: A Supportive Framework

To further ensure the artery remains open, stent placement may be employed. A mesh stent is inserted within the artery, providing a supportive framework that prevents the artery from collapsing again.

Recovery Made Easy

Unlike traditional surgical procedures, these minimally invasive PAD treatments are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day. With minimal discomfort and downtime, you can resume your normal activities and improve your mobility.

Your Partners in Care

The path to conquering diabetes and PAD is not a solitary journey. By partnering with your healthcare provider and the skilled team at USA Vascular Centers, you can reap the benefit of knowledge, innovation, and personalized care. Together, our team can help you improve your health and circulation.

Understanding the connection between diabetes and PAD can help us take proactive steps to prevent these conditions and ensure a healthier future.

PAD Risk factors

 

NON-SURGICAL PAD TREATMENT AT USA VASCULAR CENTERS

Now that you know more about the link between diabetes and PAD, you can take preventive steps.

Take control of your vascular health and help increase life expectancy by talking to your doctor or reaching out to USA Vascular Centers. Our doctors are trained in minimally invasive procedures and will walk you through your entire treatment process. You don’t need to suffer with debilitating symptoms any longer: take the next step by scheduling an initial consultation today.

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References

[1]“Type 2 Diabetes.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, December 16, 2021. Accessed 13 October 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html. 

 

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