What Causes Poor Circulation with Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that can strike any person of any age or walk of life and is increasing dramatically in numbers. In the last ten years diabetes has increased by nearly 50%. Statistically, diabetes has taken more lives than AIDS and breast cancer combined. 1 US citizen dies every 3 minutes at the hand of diabetes.

What Type of Diabetes do I Have?

Diabetes effects one very important system in your body, insulin production and function. Insulin is a natural agent in our bodies that opens cells to receive glucose (from sugar) to turn into energy. In a body affected by diabetes, this system does not work. How this system lacks proper function is then up to which type of diabetes a patient has. Diabetes 1 and 2 are most common, but there are other kinds including gestational diabetes that occurs only in pregnant women. Diabetes type 1 is an auto immune disease where the body attacks the insulin that is produced by the body and needs to be replaced by regular insulin injections. Diabetes type 2 bodies make their own insulin, but not nearly enough or it fails to do its job (open cells to receive the glucose). This is called insulin resistance.

What Causes Poor Circulation and Other Side Effects?

Because of the lack of functioning in the insulin system, blood can have ample amounts of unused glucose running through it. One consequence of this is the hardening of arteries. This is called atherosclerosis and very much increases your risk of heart attack, stroke and poor circulation. Heart disease caused by atherosclerosis is the leading cause of diabetes related deaths. Its 2 to 4 times more likely to occur in a diabetes affected person than one who is not affected by diabetes.

Another consequence of the blood containing too much unused glucose is the thickening of capillary walls, as well as stickier blood that doesn't travel as well. Combines, these effects reduce blood circulation most commonly to the kidneys, eyes, skin, arms, legs, and feet. One side effect of the poor circulation, especially in the legs, is visible brown spots on the skin. This indicates poor blood flow.

What Treatment Options are Available?

Take heart. There are many treatment options for diabetes, diabetes related symptoms, and your over all health which doctors now believe contributes to diabetes management, rather than believe its only a blood sugar issue.

Getting Tested and Early Detection

Early detection is best for any condition and diabetes is no different. If you think you are predisposed to having diabetes or if you have family history of diabetes, you should be checked for it every once in awhile. To determine whether someone has diabetes or is pre-diabetic, they are asked to fast for a period of time and then their blood sugar level is measured to determine whether or not there is too much unused glucose in your body as mentioned above. The most accurate testing, perhaps, is the HbA1c level testing which measures glucose concentration average over a period of weeks or months rather than just once. This can help determine the best methods of treatment or how much insulin is needed. Controlling your glucose levels is your first treatment priority. Research shows that for every 1% HbA1c level is reduced, your risk of heart attack decreases by 14%, microvascular disease decreases by 37%, and peripheral vascular disease decreases by 43%. Recommendation for a first goal would be an HbA1c level of 7% or less.

Common Symptoms and Self Care

One of the most common daily symptoms of diabetes is edema, or the swelling/inflammation of the body caused by water retention and poor circulation. There are very effective support products that address this issue. Wraps and medical stockings or specifically, diabetic socks are great items to have on hand for daily comfort. The compression they provide stimulate blood flow, as well as important vital nutrients and oxygen. This, then, increases healing of wounds (another complaint among diabetes patients). Keeping the feet, ankles, and legs compressed decreases your chance of blood clots and keeps the limb warm, decreasing the chance of injuries during exercise and daily activity.

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Having a Rich Life with Diabetes

If you think you are diabetic, or know you are diabetic with some concern about inflammation and swelling, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. High glucose in the blood can be managed and life with diabetes made comfortable with a determined commitment and advocacy for your health and help from medical professionals. With a list of your symptoms and some ideas of your own on how to address them from this article and others, you're well on your way!