Diabetes damages blood vessels faster, don’t make these 6 mistakes

Sitting for long hours and poor dietary choices are some of the mistakes that can damage blood vessels. (Picture Credit: Pexels)

• Dr Kapadia lists 6 common mistakes diabetics make that harm blood vessels
• Managing only blood sugar, ignoring BP and cholesterol, worsens vessel damage
• Check-ups and lifestyle changes are vital for blood vessel health

Did our AI summary help?

For those living with diabetes, lifestyle choices play a critical role. While managing the condition is essential, it’s also important not to ignore signs that may indicate an underlying issue. Dr Sumit Kapadia, a vascular surgeon based in Vadodara, took to his Instagram account to explain 6 mistakes diabetics make that damage blood vessels faster.

Diabetes and blood vessel health

Diabetes is an illness that leads to high blood glucose. This excess glucose damages the walls of both large and small blood vessels. In response, plaque builds up inside the arteries, narrowing them and restricting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to organs. Additionally, people with diabetes tend to experience prolonged blood vessel inflammation, which raises their risk of developing peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

6 mistakes diabetics make that put their blood vessels at risk

Dr Kapadia said, “Diabetes doesn’t damage blood vessels overnight. It does it quietly, through daily habits that seem harmless. As a vascular surgeon, these are the most common mistakes I see in patients who later develop blockages, ulcers, or poor circulation.”

Focusing only on sugar numbers

Blood sugar numbers make only one part of managing the condition, with patients often ignoring lifestyle factors and other health issues.“Good fasting sugar or HbA1c doesn’t always mean vessels are safe. Insulin resistance, inflammation, and lipid damage can continue silently,” Dr Kapadia warned.

Ignoring blood pressure and cholesterol

If you have additional issues such as blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol, it is important to manage them equally. Dr Kapadia shared that diabetes, high BP, and cholesterol are a dangerous combination for arteries. Controlling sugar alone is not enough.

Also read: Dilbert creator Scott Adams dies of prostate cancer at 68; All about the causes, symptoms and how to prevent this cancer in men

Walking less because of leg discomfort

Do not ignore pain or exhaustion, especially when it’s persistent, but it is what most people do. Dr Kapadia added, “Many patients reduce movement due to pain or fatigue, but inactivity worsens circulation and accelerates vascular damage.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr Sumit Kapadia (@drsumitkapadia)

Delaying foot checks until there’s a wound

“By the time a diabetic foot ulcer appears, circulation is often already compromised. Early numbness or colour change is a warning sign.” It’s, thus, best to be alert and see a doctor when you notice even the faintest change in your foot.

Treating symptoms, not lifestyle

Lifestyle choices determine your health, and Dr Kapadia said, “Relying only on medicines while sleep, stress, diet, and sitting hours remain unchanged speeds up vessel damage.”

Also read: Doctor says these 3 medicines can save a heart attack patient

Skipping regular vascular screening

Regular check-ups are part of preventive measures that can keep you safe. “Blocked leg arteries often exist long before pain starts. Simple tests can detect problems early, but most patients come only when complications begin.”

FAQs on what happens when blood vessels get damaged:

1. What causes blood vessels to get damaged?

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and ageing can damage blood vessels.

2. What happens when blood vessels are damaged?

They can become stiff, narrow, or leaky, reducing proper blood flow to organs and tissues.

3. What symptoms can damaged blood vessels cause?

Symptoms may include fatigue, poor circulation, numbness, chest pain, headaches, or delayed wound healing.

4. How does damaged blood vessels affect heart health?

Damaged vessels increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis (plaque buildup).

5. Can blood vessel damage be prevented or repaired?

Healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise, balanced diet, blood sugar control, and avoiding smoking can slow or prevent further damage.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.