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Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects 1 in 3 people over 50 with diabetes, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Learn how diabetes raises PAD risk, how to manage symptoms, and how Concept Medical’s MagicTouch PTA drug-coated balloon offers advanced treatment options.
Though many people are aware that Diabetes is a major contributing factor to heart attack and stroke, it is less commonly known that the risk of heart attack and stroke is directly related to Peripheral Artery Disease.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the legs or lower extremities is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. It is primarily caused by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, which is called atherosclerosis. PAD can happen in any blood vessel, but it is more common in the legs than the arms.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term health condition that affects how your body converts food into energy.
Most of the food you eat is converted into sugar (glucose) by your body and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar rises, your pancreas sends a signal to release insulin. Insulin functions as a key, allowing blood sugar to enter cells and be used as energy.
Diabetes occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it as effectively as it should. Too much blood sugar remains in your bloodstream when there is insufficient insulin or when cells stop responding to insulin. This can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease over time.
Why does diabetes increase the risk of developing PAD?
People with diabetes are already at an increased risk for PAD. There’s an even greater chance of developing PAD if one or more of these additional risk factors is present:
Prevention and treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease
A few of the risk factors mentioned above can be managed to lower the likelihood of getting PAD or slow its progression. Blood glucose levels must be controlled in diabetes patients. Exercise on a regular basis is also crucial. There may also be a requirement for specific footwear and medications.
Treatments for peripheral artery disease include lifestyle changes and sometimes, medication.
Your doctor might recommend medication if peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the cause of your symptoms. Medications for PAD may consist of: Cholesterol drugs, Blood pressure drugs, Medications to prevent blood clots, and Medications for leg pain.
In some cases, Angioplasty may be needed to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) that causes pain during walking.
This treatment is used to open blocked arteries. It can simultaneously diagnose and treat a clogged artery. A Small, flexible tube (catheter) is steered to the constricted area of the artery by the healthcare practitioner. A tiny balloon is inflated to widen the blocked artery and improve blood flow.
We Concept Medical Developed next generation Sirolimus drug-coated balloon (DCB) catheters MagicTouch PTA (Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty), for the treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
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