Diabetic Problems

Definition

Diabetic vascular disease is the development of blockages in the arteries due to diabetes. Diabetes causes your body to use insulin inefficiently or even not produce insulin. This result is  too much glucose (blood sugar) is in your bloodstream.  

Diabetes can also make you more susceptible to hardening of the arteries, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease, as well as neuropathy, a nerve condition that causes a loss of protective sensation in the toes or feet.

An adult is 2-4 times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke if they have diabetes.

The following symptoms may be signs of diabetic-related vascular problems. 

  • Blurry vision

  • Chest pain

  • Floating spots in your vision 

  • Foot sores

  • High blood pressure

  • Loss of feeling or a burning feeling in your hands or feet

  • Pain in your legs when walking

  • Unexpected weight gain or swelling of the face or limbs

  • Urine that appears foamy

If you have diabetes, you could be at risk for several diabetic vascular diseases and other conditions. Additional risk factors for diabetic vascular diseases include high blood pressure, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and a high-fat diet.  

To test for diabetes, an initial blood test will be performed to measure your glucose levels. If a diabetes diagnosis is confirmed, additional testing may be necessary since the disease can affect multiple areas of the body, causing blindness, severe kidney disease, stroke, heart attack, foot sores, and gangrene. 

  • Lifestyle Changes – A healthier diet and regular exercise can help in controlling high blood pressure and lipid levels and assist in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels

  • Monitor Glucose Levels – If directed by your physician, check levels several times a day

  • Medications – ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, or calcium channel blockers may be prescribed to lower high blood pressure. To help reduce cholesterol levels, statins may be ordered. To aid in preventing blood clots, antiplatelet medications would be prescribed

  • Retinopathy – Laser surgery to remove abnormal blood vessel growth that may affect your vision

  • Treatment for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) – A number of treatment options are available depending on the extent of the disease and can range from dressings and antibiotics to limb preservation procedures (angioplasty and stenting). In extreme cases, a partial or complete amputation may be necessary to preserve life

 You can depend on the expert team of medical professionals at Vascular Tyler to help you determine your best treatment options, based on your test results.

For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 903.533.8702.

Testimonials

The Patient Experience

Dr. Robbins looked at my imaging and made an appointment that same day for me to come in. At Vascular Tyler, it’s just like a family environment every time I come in here. If I have to go the doctor’s (office), this is where I want to go.
L. Cunningham, Patient
We don’t want to spend a whole lot of time with rehabilitation or in some sort of medical facility, so it was great discovering that there’s only little or no downtime. It was a matter of hours instead of days or weeks.
B. Finch, Patient
I had excruciating pain and was told I needed a knee replacement. But Dr. Robbins said I just need vascular surgery. They gave me relief from my pain, and they’re kind and interested in you as a patient and a person. This is the place to come.
M. Finch, Patient

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