Diabetic macroangiopathy | Diabetic microangiopathy

Diabetic macroangiopathy

This complication is associated with early arteriosclerosis. Sugar, cholesterol and fats are deposited on the walls of the body’s large vessels, so that the vessels become narrower and the supply to the downstream organs deteriorates. This can result in a heart attack if the coronary arteries are affected by the disease process.

If the leg arteries become narrowed or even blocked, the strain of walking is very painful and the walking distance is limited (peripheral arterial occlusive disease). If the vessels supplying the brain are affected by arteriosclerotic changes, a stroke (apoplexy) is a possible consequence. The nerve damage in the context of diabetes mellitus can lead to erection problems and potency disorders in men and to the absence of menstruation in women.