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Diabetes
How does it affect your vascular health?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that significantly affects vascular health, increasing the risk of serious cardiovascular complications. Early diagnosis and proper management are decisive in preventing these complications.
Vascular complications of diabetes:
Chronic hyperglycemia causes damage to the vascular endothelium, leading to:
- Atherosclerosis: Accumulation of lipids in the arterial walls, which restricts blood flow.
- Carotid Artery Stenosis: Narrowing of the carotid arteries, which increases the risk of stroke.
- Peripheral Artery Disease: Reduced blood supply to the lower limbs, causing pain and increasing the risk of ulcers and amputations.
- Diabetic Nephropathy: Damage to the blood vessels of the kidneys, leading to renal failure.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels of the retina, causing vision problems.
Management and prevention tips:
Preventing vascular complications requires a holistic approach:
- Blood sugar regulation: Maintaining glucose levels within normal limits through diet, exercise, and medication.
- Blood pressure and lipid control: Maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol levels at normal levels.
- Healthy diet: Consuming foods rich in fiber, low in saturated fats, and with a low glycemic index.
- Regular exercise: Strengthening cardiovascular health and improving insulin sensitivity.
- Smoking cessation: Smoking worsens vascular damage and increases the risk of complications.
- Regular medical check-ups: Monitoring vascular health through tests such as carotid triplex and ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement.
Vascular Surgeon Sotiria Mastoraki, specializing in vascular diseases, offers comprehensive care for the diagnosis and management of the vascular complications of diabetes. Early intervention and personalized treatment can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of serious complications
