When diabetes and heart disease occur together, early warning signs can appear in the feet. Adults with diabetes face a higher risk of heart disease, and cardiovascular complications remain the leading cause of death among this population. Monitoring foot health is therefore essential.
Chronic high blood sugar damages both small and large blood vessels, a process called microvascular and macrovascular damage. According to the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association, diabetes also accelerates atherosclerosis, narrowing arteries and reducing blood flow throughout the body.