The Goshen Heart and Vascular Center suggests that approximately 65 percent of all diabetics will die from cardiovascular events or strokes. This is roughly four times higher than complications due to heart disease alone. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse suggests that eating a balanced diet, getting exercise, taking medications regularly, proper diabetic foot care and hygiene protocols can all help stave off complications including vasoconstriction or vasodilation problems.
Microangiopathy
International Diabetes Federation lists microangiopathy as a significant complication of diabetes. Microangiopathy is characterized by damage to small blood vessels and capillary circulation. Conditions which result from microangiopathy include retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and diabetic foot.
Autonomic Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy is primarily due to damaged nerves which supply blood to the major organs. According to the International Diabetes Federation clinical conditions attributable to autonomic neuropathy include problems with pulse and tachycardia, hypotension, foot ulcers, erectile dysfunction and gastrointestinal disorders.
Further Blood Vessel Damage
Blood vessel damage can extend beyond microangiopathy and autonomic neuropathy. The Baylor College of Medicine suggests that there can be damage to the inner or outer linings of the blood vessels causing problems with vasoconstriction and vasodilation---processes which regulate the flow of blood to other organs. This can lead to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries and cause a heart attack.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse; "Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Heart and Blood Vessels Healthy"; Apr 2009
- International Diabetes Federation; "Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease"; 2005
- Baylor College of Medicine; "Diabetic Vascular Disease: Symptoms and Treatments"; Jun 2010
- Goshen Heart and Vascular Center; "Heart and Vascular Diseases"; 2010
