We’re excited to announce that Dr. Jeffrey M. Martinez is now offering Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)—a groundbreaking, minimally invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis pain.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in people with diabetes?
Peripheral Artery Disease occurs when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. Diabetes significantly increases the risk of PAD and makes it more severe, often accelerating circulation problems and raising the risk of ulcers, infections, and limb loss.
Why are people with diabetes at higher risk for PAD?
Diabetes damages blood vessels and nerves over time. High blood sugar contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, reduces healing ability, and masks pain—allowing PAD to progress without obvious warning signs
Is PAD harder to detect in diabetic patients?
Yes. Many diabetic patients have nerve damage (neuropathy), which can reduce pain sensation. PAD may progress silently until wounds fail to heal or tissue damage occurs
What are common signs of PAD in diabetic patients?
Common symptoms include:
Leg or calf pain when walking
Pain in the feet or toes at rest
Cold, numb, or discolored feet
Slow‑healing wounds or ulcers
Decreased walking distance or stamina
Any of these symptoms should prompt evaluation.
Can diabetic foot pain be caused by circulation problems?
Yes. While nerve damage is common in diabetes, poor blood flow from PAD is a major cause of foot pain—especially pain that worsens at night or does not improve with position changes.
Are cold feet or numb toes a sign of diabetic PAD?
They can be. Reduced circulation from PAD may cause persistent coldness, numbness, or color changes in the feet or toes, even in warm environments.
Why won’t my diabetic foot wound heal?
Non‑healing wounds are often caused by poor blood flow. If enough oxygen and nutrients can’t reach the tissue, healing slows or stops. PAD is a common—and serious—underlying cause.
Can PAD cause diabetic ulcers to get infected?
Yes. Reduced circulation weakens the body’s ability to fight infection. PAD increases the risk that diabetic foot ulcers become infected and progress to tissue damage or gangrene.
When should a diabetic foot wound be evaluated urgently?
Seek urgent evaluation if a wound:
Has not improved after 1–2 weeks
Becomes more painful, red, or swollen
Turns black or bluish
Has drainage or odor
Early circulation assessment can be limb‑saving.
Does diabetic PAD increase the risk of amputation?
Yes. PAD is one of the leading causes of non‑traumatic amputations in people with diabetes. The good news is that early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce this risk.
Can early PAD treatment prevent amputation in diabetics?
In many cases, yes. Restoring blood flow early can promote wound healing, reduce infections, relieve pain, and prevent progression to limb loss.
What does limb preservation mean in diabetic PAD care?
Limb preservation focuses on identifying circulation problems early and using medical or minimally invasive treatments to save the leg or foot whenever possible.
How is PAD diagnosed in diabetic patients?
Diagnosis may include a physical exam, non‑invasive vascular tests, ultrasounds, and imaging to assess blood flow and identify blockages.
Is PAD testing painful?
Most PAD testing is non‑invasive and painless. The goal is to evaluate circulation accurately while keeping the patient comfortable.
What treatments are available for diabetic PAD?
Treatment depends on disease severity and may include:
Medication and risk‑factor management
Lifestyle and circulation support
Minimally invasive procedures to improve blood flow
Surgical options when necessary to preserve limb function
Are minimally invasive treatments an option for diabetics?
Yes. Many diabetic patients are candidates for minimally invasive procedures that improve circulation with shorter recovery times than traditional surgery.
What happens if diabetic PAD is left untreated?
Untreated PAD can lead to worsening pain, non‑healing wounds, infections, tissue loss, and eventual amputation. Early evaluation greatly improves outcomes.
When should a person with diabetes be evaluated for PAD?
Evaluation is recommended if you have:
Leg pain or difficulty walking
Foot pain at rest
Wounds that don’t heal
Cold or discolored feet
Early care can protect mobility and independence.
What should I expect at a diabetic PAD evaluation?
Your visit includes symptom review, circulation testing if needed, and a personalized care plan focused on restoring blood flow and protecting your limbs.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Martinez today and take the first step toward protecting your legs, your mobility, and your overall health.