How does diabetes affect my risk for aneurysms?

Dr. David W. Drucker, MD

Cardiologist (Heart Specialist)

People with diabetes have a very high risk for developing vascular disease. Because of this, healthcare providers always encourage very careful foot care. They recommend that people with diabetes not just check and control their blood sugars, but also meet with a podiatrist. This specialist is an expert at examining the toes, watching for the development of ulcers and checking your pulses. A podiatrist often starts any workup, in fact, by sending you for noninvasive vascular studies.

Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine

Diabetes appears to be a protective risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm for reasons that are unclear. The main modifiable risk factor for aneurysms is tobacco use.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Aneurysms

Aneurysms form balloons in weakened arteries of our bodies, potentially causing life-threatening problems such as a stroke. Although aneurysms can form in any weakened artery, they commonly occur in the arteries of the brain and in the aorta, the central artery that extends from your heart through the center of your abdomen and chest. Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, can weaken the arteries, which deliver oxygenated blood from our heart to the rest of our bodies. The pressure of blood traveling through the arteries can lead to this balloon-like bulge. You can have an aneurysm for years without symptoms or problems. Others can have an aneurysm that pops, which can lead to a stroke if bleeding occurs in the brain. Ruptured aneurysms must be treated quickly, usually within minutes, or it can become deadly: about 50% of all ruptured aneurysms are fatal.

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