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Diabetes
Puts You at an Increased Risk for
Developing Vascular Disease
Free peripheral vascular disease screenings are available at OLBH. Call the CareLine at 833-CARE to find out more |
Diabetes
is a disease affecting the way your body breaks down carbohydrates.
Because of the inadequate production of insulin, or an insufficient
response to insulin, the body’s cells are unable to remove glucose
(sugar) from the body and use it for energy.
Today, there are many excellent treatments available for people with
diabetes. However, great danger for people with the condition stems
from long-term disease-associated complications, such as heart disease,
kidney failure, amputation, and blindness.
“Diabetes can affect virtually every part of the body, but some
of the most debilitating complications involve the network of blood
vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrition to the body,” said
Tawnia Jones, Outpatient Diabetes Coordinator, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital certified diabetes
nurse educator. “Coronary artery disease is the number one cause
of premature death for people with diabetes.”
Jones added when arteries leading to the brain become diseased, a
stroke may be imminent. “People with diabetes have a risk of
stroke at least double that of people who are not affected by the
disease,” she explained.
“People with diabetes also have a significantly higher risk
of developing peripheral vascular disease,” Jones said. “Poor
blood flow to the lower body can result in foot problems, leg pain
when walking, and sometimes severe circulation problems that can lead
to amputation.”
Damage to blood vessels can be directly linked with uncontrolled blood
sugar. On its own, blood glucose can harden and obstruct arteries.
When glucose builds up and floods the arteries, it causes progressive
damage, making the vessels less elastic and less able to function
normally. “High levels of insulin can cause changes that are
harmful to the cardiovascular system,” Jones stated. “It
can cause an increase in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, a decrease
in HDL – the good cholesterol, and can raise blood pressure
levels.”
All of these factors add up to an increased risk for vascular disease.
If you already have diabetes, or have a family history of the disorder,
it is important to take early action to keep your blood vessels healthy:
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Speak to your doctor about a referral to the OLBH Diabetes Center
for help in managing your disease.
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Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, stop.
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Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar as close to normal
as possible.
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Exercise
regularly.
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Keep weight under control
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Eat a diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables,
fiber, and low-fat dairy products.
For more information about the effects of diabetes and OLBH’s services, please contact the OLBH Diabetes & Wound Care Center, located at Bellefonte Centre on the OLBH campus. The center can be reached by calling (606) 833-4044.
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