Atherosclerosis

(ATH-er-o-skler-O-sis)

Atherosclerosis is a disease that causes arteries and blood vessels to clog, narrow and harden. These problems can lead to a stroke, heart attack and eye or kidney problems.

“This disease is a major problem for people with diabetes,” says endocrinologist Larry Merkle, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “High blood sugar damages the linings of blood vessels that lead to the heart, brain, eyes and legs, and that increases the risk for diabetes complications. Type 2 diabetes often goes hand-in-hand with obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, all of which already help damage blood vessels.”

Atherosclerosis often develops over years without any symptoms, which makes it especially dangerous, Merkle says. Symptoms occur once serious damage is done. “That’s why you need to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and take prescribed medications as soon as you’re diagnosed.”

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