Ask The Experts
I am 59 years old, and suffering diabetic type – 2 with neuropathy last 12 years. Due to this both my legs and hands, especially my legs, are affected with poor blood circulation. Due to this bad situation I cannot walk and cannot hold any pen, pencil, teaspoon with my hands. Recently my doctor referred me to vascular surgeon. The vascular surgeon did some blood tests including angiogram and told me I was suffering from peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The doctor told me that peripheral arterial disease happens when there is a narrowing of the blood vessels outside of your heart. The cause of PAD is atherosclerosis. This happens when plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs. Plaque is a substance made up of fat and cholesterol. It causes the arteries to narrow or become blocked. This can reduce or stop blood flow, usually to the legs. If severe enough, blocked blood flow can cause tissue death and can sometimes lead to amputation of the foot or leg.
Thank you for contacting IPFH. We do not diagnose or recommend treatments on line. We are sorry to hear that you are suffering from diabetic neuropathy and PAD and that you are experiencing the difficulties associated with these conditions. Being under the care of a doctor and a vascular surgeon is a good thing for you: Modern medicine and surgical techniques can help you quite a bit. In addition, you may want to ask your doctor about getting on a diet that can help you cut down on the plaque buildup in your blood vessels, and with type 2 diabetes it is critical for you to keep your blood sugar within a healthy range. You appear to be doing the things you need to do, and we would encourage you to stay the course and follow your doctor's and surgeon's advice. We wish you the very best.