Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes is of particular importance in the development of a circulatory disorder of the feet in the context of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (pAVK). Diabetics have a three to five times higher risk of developing pAVK. The reason for this is that arteriosclerosis, which is the underlying cause of PAD in most cases, is promoted by elevated blood sugar and blood fat values.
If there are already frequent cases of diabetes in the family, the blood sugar level should be checked regularly and, if necessary, reduced by dietary or medicinal measures. In the case of diabetes, more severe courses of arterial occlusive disease must also be expected, since the unfavorable metabolic situation impairs wound healing and, in the case of a pronounced clinical picture, tissue decay can progress more rapidly. In addition, minor injuries or pressure sores, which can quickly develop into ulcers, are often noticed too late by the diabetic due to damage to the nervous system.
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