Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in diabetics, also known as peripheral artery disease, is serious medical condition that affects that affects the blood circulation in your legs and feet. Leg numbness or weakness, toenail changes and cramping pain are a few characteristics of this serious condition. According to the American Heart Association, many people with PAD mistake this condition for another ailment and unfortunately go untreated.
Symptoms
According to Medline Plus, symptoms of peripheral arterial disease in diabetics include pain, fatigue and burning in the muscles of your thighs, feet or calves. These symptoms are worse with movement and may get better with rest. This is called intermittent claudication. As PAD becomes severe, the skin of your legs and feet become cold, pale and hairless and you may experience numbness and tingling.
Cause
The Mayo Clinic states that the most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis (hardening of the blood vessels due to fatty plaque deposits). When your blood vessels are blocked with fatty plaque, less blood flow can reach your lower limb and you develop PAD's characteristic symptoms. Other possible causes include blood clots, trauma, infection and anatomical changes of your muscles.
Risk Factors
According to the American Heart Association, many risk factors exist for the development of PAD. Diabetes mellitus (disease of high blood sugars), obesity, lack of exercise, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking cigarettes put you at risk for developing PAD. The Mayo Clinic states that a family history of PAD and high levels of homocysteine (substance in your body that helps build tissues) and C-reactive protein (substance made in your body to signal inflammation) are also PAD risk factors.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a thorough physical exam to determine whether you suffer from PAD. She will feel the pulses in your leg and listen for abnormal sounds called bruits that may indicate decreased blood flow. An ankle-brachial index (ABI) can also be obtained. The Mayo Clinic states that an ABI is the most common test to diagnose PAD. It involves taking your blood pressure on your ankle and arm to compare the 2 values. A Doppler ultrasound is also used to assess the blood flow in your legs and feet. In angiography, a special dye is injected into your arteries so your doctor can detect any abnormalities as your blood flows through your arteries.
Treatment
Medline Plus states that medications, surgery and self-care are ways to treat PAD. Medications like aspirin prevent clot formation in your arteries. Cilostazol is another medication that serves to dilate your arteries and increase blood flow to your lower limbs. Surgical procedures such as peripheral artery bypass of the leg and angioplasty and stent placement of the peripheral arteries ensure adequate blood flow to your lower extremities. Because you are diabetic, it is also important to take care of your feet and wear appropriate shoes to prevent ulcer formation.
