How Does Diabetes Affect The Circulatory System

The circulatory system is the reason behind food delivery, and this also includes how glucose circulates into the blood. When someone has diabetes, the blood vessels will be impacted, and the other parts of the blood system can be affected.

 The circulatory system works as the infrastructure of the body, and it provides:

  • The ways that the body can move hormones.
  • Nutrients.
  • Oxygen from organs and cells or to them.

The heart is an essential part of this infrastructure because it helps to pump the blood in the body. Blood vessels are found in different sizes, and there are larger arteries and small vessels.

Circulatory System And Diabetes

The circulatory system will allow the blood glucose levels to get regulated. Hormone glucagon is carried around by blood, and it will signal the liver that it should release glucose in the blood system, and the insulin level found in the blood will instruct the cells in taking in glucose found within the blood.

When the blood glucose level gets high for an extended period, then the blood vessels will sustain damage. When many blood vessels get damaged, it can have a negative effect on how the body functions.

how does diabetes affect the circulatory system

When many blood vessels get damaged, that area will suffer some complications.

Neuropathy (nerve damage): This results from blood vessel damage that reaches the nerve. When the damage affects legs and feet, this can lead to foot ulcers that may cause amputations.

If the damaged blood vessels were meant to take blood to a certain organ, then that organ will also be affected. When the kidney gets damaged in such a way, they can lose effectiveness in filtering the blood.

When the damage does continue, it may cause damage to the entire circulatory system. 

How To Reduce Impact Of Diabetes On Your Heart

After learning about how does diabetes affect the circulatory system, you can take the following steps.

  1. Use A Healthy Diet: Take enough vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. Take less processed foods like fast food, sweets, and chips. Drink water more and take less sugary drinks or alcohol.
  2. Ensure You Have A Healthy Weight: If you are overweight, you should try to lose the right amount of weight to reduce the level of blood sugar and triglycerides in the system. If you are a 200-pound person, you may lose up to 14 pounds.
  3. Be Active: When you are active, the body will be sensitive to insulin, which will help manage diabetes. Physical activity will also help control the level of blood sugar and lower the heart problem.
  4. Take Care Of Your ABCs: Get an A1C test regularly and keep to the right target whenever possible. B makes sure that the Blood pressure stays under 140/90mm Hg, and C keeps the proper cholesterol level. So don’t smoke. 
  5. Manage The Stress: when you suffer from stress, you will increase your blood pressure and get involved in unhealthy behaviors. Manage the stress through physical activities and talking to family and friends.