Diabetes poses significant risk of vascular damage and leg blockages, doctors warn

Gastroenterologist Dr Pal Manickam warned that diabetes damages blood vessels and increases the risk of arterial blocks and infections comparably to smoking.

Persistently high blood sugar injures the inner lining of blood vessels, causing inflammation and accelerating fatty plaque formation that restricts blood flow.

Managing diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, exercising regularly, and conducting daily foot inspections help protect long-term vascular health.