Diabetes Mellitus is a disease that changes the bodies ability to absorb a specific type of surgar (Glucose).
Diabetes causes high levels of this sugar in the blood which can cause long term side effects to the vascular system.
When the blood stream has too high a level of sugar the inner lining of the arteries can be damaged. 
September is Peripheral vascular disease awareness month. PVD or PAD / Peripheral Arterial Disease is a chronic disease where plaque gradually builds up in the arteries leading to limited blood flow or entirely block the flow of blood also called an occlusion.
This Plaque that builds up in your arteries and veins is a waxy fatty substance caused by high levels of cholesterol and worsened by smoking. The plaque builds up on the arterial or vessel wall as it passes through the vessels along with the blood and can lead to the hardening or atherosclerosis of the arteries and eventual occlusion. Peripheral arterial disease is a very common disease affecting 1 in 20 Americans over the age of 50.
Many different doctors treat varicose veins, so why should I see a vascular surgeon specifically?
Many doctors treat varicose veins, but vascular surgeons are specifically trained and board certified to treat such disorders. Vascular surgeons only treat venous and vascular disorders from the time they graduate medical school. These specialists spend their entire career focusing solely on venous and vascular diagnosis, and treatment.
This amount of dedication, and training provides them with a unique, unbiased, expert perspective on causes, treatments and differential diagnosis of these diseases. Differential diagnosis meaning, that even though an individual may have varicose veins, this does not necessarily mean that the varicose veins are the underlying problem. Vascular surgeons are best able to diagnose these underlying problems and are the only physicians that can provide all available treatment options for venous and vascular diseases.
Our doctors have over 65 years of experience and have dedicated their careers to help treat patients with venous and vascular disease. Without a doubt, Western Vascular Institute has the best vascular surgeons in Arizona.
GOOD DOCTORS. GOOD DECISIONS. GOOD OUTCOMES.
Combining moderate physical activity with a healthy diet, mindfulness practice, and quality sleep can have a huge impact on overall health, and specifically, the health of the vascular system.
A Vascular Surgeon is a highly trained specialist that focuses on diseases of the vascular system.
Vascular Surgeons treat the arteries and veins responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood throughout your body and returning it to your heart.
“Vascular surgeons treat every artery & vein of the body except the brain & heart”
More than just surgery, a Vascular Surgeon educates patients on their disease process and helps provide every treatment option available.
Vascular surgeons are trained to know when to perform vascular surgery, but more importantly when not to perform surgery.
Vascular surgeons are trained in complicated open, as well as minimally invasive endovascular procedures.
Because they are able to provide all treatment options they are not biased to perform the one or two procedures within their scope.
Q: What causes ulceration and slow–healing wounds in a person with diabetes?
A: High levels of blood glucose caused by diabetes can, over time, affect the nerves (neuropathy) and can lead to poor blood circulation making it hard for blood (needed for skin repair) to reach areas of the body affected by sores or wounds. Always see your doctor if an ulcer appears, especially if it does not heal on its own.
