Medical Questions » Diabetes Questions » Question No. 256
| Question: | I have been suffering from type 2 diabetes, and have recently developed numb feet, and pains down the arteries of the leg. Could you explain what effect diabetes has on circulation, and what sort of specialist should I see? |
| Answer: | There are two main types of diabetes—type 1 diabetes which usually affects younger people and requires insulin injections for control, and type 2 diabetes which is far more common, usually affects the elderly, and is normally controlled by diet and tablets.
Both types of diabetes can affect the small blood vessels (capillaries) and restrict the flow of blood. The most commonly involved small blood vessels are in the feet and eyes. In patients with inadequately controlled diabetes, poor circulation to the feet may cause numbness, redness, sores that won' t heal, and finally gangrene. In the eye, deteriorating vision is caused by poor circulation.
If the diabetes is well controlled, it is far less likely for these complications to occur.
Control of diabetes involves regular medication, a careful diet, checking the blood or urine levels of sugar, and checking with the general practitioner or specialist.
If a GP detects any problems that are significant, s/he will refer you to an endocrinologist (gland specialist). Some endocrinologists are super specialists, and treat only patients with diabetes. |
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