Diabetes & vessels diseases

Diseases of the small vessels

Diabetes affects the body by damaging blood vessels, in particular very small blood vessels. The result is progressive and accelerated narrowing of the vessels and impairing the function of organs. The kidneys may gradually fail and manifest the failure by high blood pressure, and the leaking of glucose and protein in the urine (checked for in all FAA Airman medical exams).

The nervous system initially manifests the damage as a loss of feeling, including temperature, touch and vibration, in the feet and hands. The circulation in the extremities is also impaired and an individual may note coolness of the feet , pale colour or non-healing ulcers. Men, especially smokers, may note impotence with impaired circulation and nerve function in the penis. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S., which is caused by leaking of blood from the retina in the eye.

Diseases of the larger vessels

Diabetics have accelerated development of diseases of the larger vessels, which can cause sudden death. Coronary heart disease is the cause of death in over 50% of Type II diabetics versus approximately 30% in non-diabetics. Strokes are 2-4 times more likely, as is heart disease, in diabetics as the non-diabetic population. Peripheral vascular disease, which causes leg cramping with exercise contributes to non-healing ulcers of the feet and may even result in amputation, is four times more likely in diabetics. Control of blood sugar levels may substantially reduce both the small and large vessel complications of diabetes.