Diabetic Vascular Conditions Treated by Vascular Specialists at Mercy

A diabetes diagnosis means there is too much sugar or glucose in the blood. Over time, this condition can to lead to serious health problems including decreased blood circulation. The Vascular Center at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, includes expert vascular surgeons who provide treatment options for decreased blood flow due to diabetes.

About Diabetic Vascular Conditions
Diabetes affects how your body uses blood sugar, which is an important source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues, and it is your brain’s primary fuel source. However, too much blood sugar in your body causes serious health conditions over time.  For your vascular system, it can result in decreased circulation because it damages blood vessels and nerves.  Vascular doctors often monitor patients with foot problems due to diabetes.
Symptoms & Diagnosis

Diabetes patients over time may experience foot nerve damage due to excess sugar in their blood vessels.  Nerve damage to the feet or poor blood flow increases the risk of health complications. Cuts and blisters that aren’t felt can grow into serious infections. Toe, foot and even leg amputation is possible due to infection.

Poor foot circulation or nerve damage is often felt at the tips of the toes and symptoms include:

  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Burning
  • Pain

These symptoms gradually spread up the leg and patients can eventually lose all feeling in their limbs.

Diagnosing diabetic vascular conditions starts with a thorough medical history and physical exam of the feet and legs, especially if there are sores or wounds.  It may also include:

  • Laboratory tests for complete blood cell count, blood sugar levels, kidney function, blood chemistry, liver enzymes and heart enzymes if infection exists
  • X-rays of feet or legs
  • Ultrasound to examine blood flow
  • Angiogram, a catheter and dye injected procedure to view the blood flow and detect blockages and circulation problems
Treatment Options for Diabetic Vascular Conditions

Vascular surgeons monitor circulatory conditions of the feet and work closely with your primary care provider or diabetes specialists at The Center for Endocrinology at Mercy to manage diabetes and issues that may arise as a result of a diabetes condition.

Diabetes can be controlled with medication and healthy eating, but like most medical conditions, catching it early and making the lifestyle adjustments to minimize its impact is critical to improving chances for successful treatment.  In some cases, minimally invasive procedures, such as angioplasty and stenting may be necessary.
The Vascular Center at Mercy offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of circulatory system disorders including stroke and mini stroke, leg pain and swelling, blood clots in veins, aneurysms, varicose veins and circulatory disease.