Diabetes and blood vessels. Learn about microvascular and macrovascular complications
Diabetes is a disease of the blood vessels; it weakens circulation and destroys arteries and veins. High blood sugar levels are not painful, but even a small increase in sugar damages blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack, amputation, and stroke. Diabetes is closely linked to cardiovascular diseases. Learn about the micro and macro complications of diabetes.
Diabetes and hyperglycemia
Diabetes is a group of diseases rooted in hyperglycemia, which destroys the body. Currently, medicine uses many methods aimed at lowering high blood sugar levels and slowing down the complications of hyperglycemia. The main complication is damage to micro and macro blood vessels.
Microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes
Diabetics suffering from type 1 diabetes have characteristic microvascular complications, while type 2 diabetes leads to macrovascular complications, which affect larger blood vessels such as arteries and veins. However, this is a general classification, as type 1 diabetics can also develop macrovascular complications.
Microvascular complications of diabetes
Diabetes damages blood vessels, leading to the development of diabetic complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, or neuropathy, which can have serious consequences. All diabetics are at risk, regardless of the duration of the disease. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetics suffer from these complications equally.
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Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of damaged micro blood vessels that can lead to vision loss. The risk of retinopathy, as well as other diabetic complications caused by microvascular damage, depends on high blood sugar concentrations and the duration of the disease.
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Diabetic nephropathy
Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of kidney failure in the United States. The development of nephropathy affects people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Treatment, as with other complications, is based on monitoring blood glucose levels and preventing complications.
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Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy causes peripheral nerve dysfunction; unlike other diabetic complications, genetic factors can influence the predisposition to its occurrence. Neuropathy can manifest in several ways, and early diagnosis can be difficult, as we wrote about in our article dedicated to diabetic neuropathy.
How does diabetes destroy blood vessels?
Diabetes causes significant changes in blood vessels, destroying them and contributing to an increase in their thickness. High blood sugar accelerates the rate of atherosclerotic changes and inflammation, which narrows the diameter of the vascular network and reduces blood flow. Vascular networks are essential as they deliver necessary nutrients and oxygen.
Macrovascular complications of diabetes
A complication of large blood vessels is the progressive atherosclerotic process, which leads to a decrease in vessel diameter, resulting in reduced blood flow. Diabetes accelerates the onset of cardiovascular diseases, which can lead to coronary artery disease. Type 2 diabetes is usually accompanied by metabolic syndrome, which also contributes to circulatory diseases. Patients are advised to monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels and to stop smoking.
To prevent the occurrence of microvascular and macrovascular complications, one must maintain blood glucose levels, lead an active lifestyle, maintain a proper diet, undergo doctor-recommended examinations, and monitor the body.