According to Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health, diabetes is a chronic diseases marked by high levels of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Diabetes occurs because the pancreas does not create insulin, the molecule that controls blood sugar, or the body's cells do not effectively use insulin. Diabetes can cause significant circulatory problems if left untreated.
Heart Problems
Diabetes may negatively affect the heart. According to Medline Plus, diabetes can increase the risk of heart attack to the level of someone who has already had a heart attack. This occurs because high levels of glucose in the blood can clog the coronary arteries, or the blood vessels around the heart. This will reduce the amount of oxygen-rich blood from reaching heart muscle. Chest pain, or angina, especially during physical exertion results from a lack of blood flow to heart tissue. A patient experiencing chest pain should seek immediate medical attention because completely clogged arteries can lead to a heart attack.
Stroke
MayoClinic.com states that the circulation of the brain can be affected if blood glucose levels are not controlled. The brain has many small blood vessels that glucose can clog if levels become too high. This will restrict the amount of circulation to certain parts of the brain and result in a stroke. A patient with diabetes should not hesitate to seek medical attention if he notices signs of a stroke, which include numbness, tingling or weakness on one or both side of the body, memory or attention deficits, confusion or severe headache.
Nerve Damage
Medline Plus states that uncontrolled diabetes can affect the blood circulation to nerves in the body. High glucose levels can clog capillaries, or tiny blood vessels, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the nerves in the feet, legs, hands, arms, intestines, stomach and other organs. People with diabetes should have their feet checked frequently for cuts because they may not be able to feel an injury to the feet until a large sore or infection develops. Furthermore, people with diabetes should immediately let their doctor know if they begin to experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, which are possible signs of nerve damage to the stomach or intestines. Strict control of blood glucose levels, healthy eating and regular physical activity can reduce and prevent circulatory problems related to diabetes.
