Poor Circulation As A Complication of Diabetes

By HelloLife

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition where the body either does not produce insulin or the cells cannot use it properly. Insulin is required for the body to break down glucose and use it for energy.
Diabetes has many complications, including blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, heart disease, and erectile dysfunction. Many of these complications are because of poor circulation.

How does diabetes cause poor circulation?

People with diabetes often experience a hardening of the blood vessels. This prevents blood from flowing efficiently.

What are the symptoms of poor circulation?

Dull, cramping pain in the calves. This pain usually appears during exercise and disappears with rest.
Numbness or tingling in the extremities, usually the feet and toes.
Change in skin color, skin usually becomes either more reddish, bluish, or pale.
Cold feet
sores and cuts heal more slowly.

What complications arise from poor circulation?

Many complications can arise as a result of poor circulation.

Amputation
Heart attack or stroke
Wounds, cuts, or sores that will not heal
Heart disease

How can I prevent poor circulation?

You should talk to your health practitioner about poor circulation if you are a diabetic. Some steps you may be advised to take to prevent poor circulation are:

Quit smoking immediately. Smoking exacerbates most health problems associated with diabetes.
Get some exercise. Usually walking or other light activity is enough. How much exercise you are advised to get will depend on your health.

What precautions should I take if I already have poor circulation?

You must take special care of your feet and hands to avoid amputation.

Check your feet and hands every day for cuts and wounds carefully.
Corns and calluses should be carefully removed because sometimes sores can develop underneath them.
Make sure to moisturize your hands and feet because sometimes due to diabetic neuropathy, the nerves that control oil production stop working. Do not put moisturizer between your toes. Dry skin can crack and peel, causing open sores.
Do not wear shoes that cause damage to your feet.
If you get a foot ulcer, see your health practitioner immediately. All foot ulcers, even ones that do not hurt, can lead to infection and amputation. Don't walk on an ulcer, as this can force the infection deeper into the foot.

If you have diabetes, is it important to be especially vigilant about your health.