Question

How does diabetes affect the blood flow in the cardiovascular system?

Answer 1

Diabetes causes a gradual restriction of blood flow.

Explanation:

In people without diabetes, fast blood flow triggers the enzymes that produce `"NO"`.

`"NO"` relaxes the smooth muscles in the walls of the vessels and prevent cells from sticking to the walls.

It also blocks the ability of immune cells to home in on and protect the diseased portions of blood vessels.

In patients with diabetes, the production of `"H"_2"O"_2` and other free radicals increases.

The free radicals scavenge `"NO"` (itself a free radical) and cause inflammation and cell damage.

The factors that inhibit clots do not work well, and the inflamed tissue traps floating particles and blood cells.

Plaque slowly builds up, hardening the vessel walls and decreasing the blood supply to the heart and brain.

In severe cases, the lack of blood circulation to the toes and feet can result in foot ulcers and amputations.

In one study, 85 % of patients who had foot amputations also had foot ulcers.