November is Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the CDC, 34.2 million (10.5% of the population) people in the U.S. have diabetes.
Diabetes increases the likelihood of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). PAD is a serious, yet treatable disease, characterized by a narrowing or blockage of the arteries that carry oxygenated blood to extremities such as the legs.
Reduce the risk of developing PAD by practicing the following:
Eat a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet: Start by trading some of those salty or sugary snacks with healthy fruit or vegetables. Prepare healthy snacks ahead of time so you can just grab them instead of your usual snack.
Get Physical Activity Each Day: Just 30 minutes of exercise each day benefits you.*
*Please talk to your physician before starting an exercise routine.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: If needed talk to your health care provider and create a weight loss plan.
Monitor and Manage: Create a schedule to monitor your blood glucose levels, blood cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.
Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan: Work with your Doctor and follow the prescribed Diabetes treatment plan.
Learn to look for the symptoms of PAD:
Contact the Pulse Vascular Team at 631-LEG-PAIN if you have diabetes and any of the following symptoms:
- Leg Pain while walking or sitting
- Foot Wounds
- Leg Wounds
- Cold Leg or Foot
- Hair Loss On Lower Leg
- Night Cramps
Do not wait. A short evaluation with an ultrasound can determine if you have PAD.
Click here to review Vascular Specialist Cases Helping Patients with Diabetes.