Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels can get often get too high and over time, high blood sugar can damage your blood vessels, which can lead to poor circulation.
Poor circulation can affect many parts of your body, including your hands, feet, legs, and organs. It can also make it difficult to heal wounds.
There are several ways that diabetes can cause poor circulation.
- High blood sugar levels: High blood sugar levels can damage the lining of your blood vessels. This damage can make it harder for blood to flow smoothly through your vessels.
- Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty deposits build up in your arteries. These deposits can narrow your arteries and make it harder for blood to flow.
- Nerve damage: Diabetes can also damage the nerves in your feet and legs. This damage can make it difficult to feel pain or temperature changes in your feet. This can lead to injuries that you may not notice right away.
- Infection: People with diabetes are more likely to get infections, especially in their feet. Because people with diabetes can have poor blood circulation, it may lead to infection because the body isn’t able to heal itself properly.
Poor circulation can have a number of serious health consequences, including:
- Ulcers: Ulcers are open sores that can develop on the skin of your feet. They can be very painful and difficult to heal.
- Gangrene: Gangrene is a condition in which the tissue in your feet dies. It is a serious condition that can require amputation.
- Heart attack: Heart attack is a serious condition that occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. People with diabetes are at increased risk of heart attack.
- Stroke: Stroke is a serious condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. People with diabetes are at increased risk of stroke.
If you have diabetes, it is important to take steps to prevent poor circulation. Here are some things you can do:
- Control your blood sugar levels: This is the most important thing you can do to prevent poor circulation. Work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that will help you keep your blood sugar levels in the target range.
- Exercise regularly: Exercise helps to improve blood flow and circulation. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Quit smoking: Smoking damages your blood vessels and makes it harder for blood to flow. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible.
- Take care of your feet: Keep your feet clean and dry, and inspect them daily for any signs of problems. See a doctor or podiatrist regularly for foot exams.
By taking steps to control your blood sugar levels, exercise regularly, quit smoking, and take care of your feet, you can help prevent poor circulation and the serious health consequences that can come with it.
Additional tips:
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to keep your blood sugar levels in control. Choose foods that are low in added sugar and saturated fat and high in fiber.
- Manage stress: Stress can raise your blood sugar levels. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
- Take your medications as prescribed: Taking your medications as prescribed is essential for controlling your blood sugar levels.
By following these tips, you can help prevent poor circulation and the serious health consequences that can come with it.
If you have any more questions on ways diabetes can cause poor circulation or would like more information on our diabetic shoes, contact us at info@anodyneshoes.com