Left untreated, PAD can lead to amputation
Diabetes is a powerful risk factor
Diabetes(Diabetes mellitus) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. is a powerful risk factor of peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.). It has been linked to increased risk for amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe), including PAD-related amputations, and putting a person’s life at risk.
If you have diabetes, you should learn about PAD. One in three people over the age of 50 with diabetes is likely to have PAD.40
People with diabetes can exhibit multiple medical complications including PAD, nerve damage in the legs and cardiovascular diseaseHeart and blood vessel disease — also called heart disease — includes numerous problems, many of which are related to a process called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition that develops when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries..40 Their ability to properly use their feet and legs can become difficult, preventing them from walking as far or as fast as PAD patients without diabetes.19 And, people with diabetes and PAD have a 5 to 10 times greater risk of amputation than patients without diabetes.12,45
Learn about PAD and proper foot care if you have diabetes. Being aware of and educated about these symptoms, in combination with early detection and treatment of PAD, may help to prevent at least half of potential diabetes-related amputations.14
PAD and peripheral neuropathy
PAD and peripheral neuropathyThe most common type of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. It affects the nerves in the hands, feet, legs, and arms. It generally starts in the feet, and it tends to start in both feet at once. are two related — but distinct — conditions. Peripheral neuropathyPeripheral neuropathy is a condition that develops as a result of damage to the peripheral nervous system. describes the many conditions associated with damage to the peripheral nerves, resulting in disrupted nerve signaling.
Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves in the hands, feet, legs and arms. Its symptoms include tingling, pain or increased sensitivity, numbness and open sores.
Both PAD and peripheral neuropathy share the common denominator of diabetes. That’s why diabetes treatment and management are key. Make sure you keep regularly scheduled doctor appointments.
Talk to a health care professional about your options for treating PAD now. You can use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a PAD specialist near you.
Learn more about PAD and schedule a time to talk with your doctor, or use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a PAD specialist near you.
Stop ignoring the signs. Talk to a PAD specialist. Take control of your health.