Atherosclerosis

Does diabetes lead to Atherosclerosis? My mother is a diabetic and had low blood pressure. Recently, she was diagnosed to have high cholestrol and atherosclerosis and dampened blood flow in the arteries. Does diabetes lead to cholestrol and atherosclerosis? What are the deposits which create this condition? When this deposits are dissolved by medication, what happens? Does it raise the blood sugar level?


This discussion is related to Diabetic meds.

[troytroy]

Hi.

I noticed that you had not recieved a response from our regular advisors, so let me share my experiences with you. Prior to 1999 my coronary arteries were clean and unobstructed. During the summer of 1999 I developed Type two diabetes which, in spite of my medical background I failed to recognize. In one year of uncontrolled diabetes I developed major lipid obstructions in three of my coronary arteries, which eventually resulted in coronary by-pass surgery.

You asked a number of other questions about diabetes, cholesterol and other subjects that the following website mighthelp with:

http://www.healthline.com/sw/khs-diabetes-and-heart-disease

Good Luck,
troytroy

[zhongy2]

high blood sugar can lead to atherosclerosis, that's why diabetes can lead to complications such as stroke, heart attack, blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage.  With high blood sugar, the sugar in the blood stream sticks to the red blood cells which makes the red blood cells rough and does not bend as they suppose to.  When these red blood cells goes through the blood vessels, it scratchs the vessels causing inflammation, and the bad cholesterol (triglyceride, LDL) will deposit there.  Therefore making the blood vessels hard and more narrow for blood flow.  Can't say that high blood sugar cause high cholesterol or vice versa.  It is like the question does chicken come first or the egg?  however, with diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol usually comes along with it, because of people's lifestyles and eating habits.  if you would like more detail information, readings are recommended.