Living with Diabetes: Maintaining a Healthy Circulation

Oct 26
12:27

2012

Remcel Mae P. Canete

Remcel Mae P. Canete

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People living with diabetes need to pay special attention to the health of their circulatory systems, taking conscious efforts to reduce the risks of circulation problems or, in worst case scenarios, cardiovascular disease or stroke.

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People living with diabetes need to pay special attention to the health of their circulatory systems,Living with Diabetes: Maintaining a Healthy Circulation Articles taking conscious efforts to reduce the risks of circulation problems or, in worst case scenarios, cardiovascular disease or stroke. Poor circulation affects the whole body from the feet to the nervous system, and is the reason why over 50 per cent of amputations performed in North America are due to diabetes complications. Maintaining a healthy circulation is the most important preventative measure a patient of diabetes can take to keep their condition stable. Keep reading below to learn more about the effect diabetes has on the circulatory system, and the steps you can take to keep it in shape. 

How Does Diabetes Cause Poor Circulation? 

Diabetes is often associated with other health problems such as high blood pressure and high levels of glucose and cholesterol. All of these maladies create a massive strain on the heart and arteries which in turn slows down the function of a healthy circulatory system. Once the arteries become damaged they are unable to properly circulate blood away from the heart to where it needs to be. This is the reason why so many diabetics face leg amputations or blindness; the delicate arteries have been damaged to a point where they are starting to affect major blood vessels that serve to carry blood flow from the heart to the periphery of the body. 

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Circulation Problems 

Quit smoking – smoking has hardens the arteries over time and is a proven cause of poor circulation in diabetics and non-diabetics alike. Diabetics who smoke should quit immediate for the sake of their health and quality of life: not only will circulation improve, so will respiratory health and general mobility. You’ll also save money, which you can spend on a circulation-improving massage. 

Exercise – Exercise is the most effective way to get the blood flowing and improve circulation. Aerobic exercises such as jogging, walking and cycling will immediately improve blood flow to the legs and feet. The Canadian Diabetic Association recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week, and to never let more than two days go by without any physical activity. 

Watch Cholesterol, Glucose Levels – Talk to your doctor about keeping your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels at healthy levels. Eat a diet low in salt, fat and sugar and high in whole grains and vegetables.

Living with diabetes is not easy, but developing a healthy, active lifestyle now will drastically improve circulation and quality of life, as well as prevent unwanted circulatory complications in the future.