Why Do Diabetics Have Poor Circulation?

Poor circulation is one of the most dangerous side effects of diabetes. It causes problems that lead to sores that won't heal, infection, amputation, stroke and heart disease. One in three diabetics over the age of 50 has peripheral artery disease that affects circulation. Lifestyle changes are necessary to improve circulation, and diabetics should work on a treatment plan with their doctors.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

• Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral vascular disease, which causes poor circulation in the feet and legs. When blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the feet and legs thicken and harden, they can't carry enough blood to the extremities to provide them with the oxygen and nutrients they need.

Atherosclerosis

• According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes can change the chemical makeup of the substances in the blood, causing blood vessels to narrow, harden or become completely blocked. This condition, called atherosclerosis, progresses quickly in people with diabetes.

High Glucose Levels

• High glucose levels cause artery damage that leads to circulation problems by stressing the arteries. When a diabetic eats, blood sugar levels rise. The higher the levels get, the more likely sugar is to stick to cells. High glycemic foods increase blood sugar rapidly, causing the thin layer of cells that line artery walls to suddenly expand. This makes arteries less elastic.

Multiple Risk Factors

• There are other risk factors for poor circulation besides diabetes. These include hypertension, high cholesterol, family history and smoking. People with diabetes alone are more likely to have circulation problems that can cause heart disease than people with any other risk factor. And diabetics are more likely to develop other risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, raising the risk of developing poor circulation even more.

Prevention/Solution

• Keeping tight control of blood sugar levels is the key to avoiding circulation problems. Preventing other risk factors by following a healthy diet, exercising, losing weight, avoiding smoke and being regularly monitored by a professional health care team can help keep diabetics from developing poor circulation.