Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease is a disease in the large blood vessels of the arms, legs, and feet. People who have had diabetes for a long time may get this because major blood vessels in their arms, legs, and feet are blocked and these limbs do not receive enough blood.

Symptoms and signs

The signs of PVD are aching pains in the arms, legs, and feet (especially when walking) and foot sores that heal slowly.

Treatment

Although people with diabetes cannot always avoid PVD, doctors say they have a better chance of avoiding it if they take good care of their feet, do not smoke, and keep both their blood pressure and diabetes under good control.