How diabetes affects blood vessels

Most of the complications associated with diabetes begin in a similar way with damage to the blood vessels. Blood vessels are the tubes that carry blood, which contains vital oxygen and nutrients, to all the major organs. 

High blood glucose levels over time can damage the lining of blood vessels which can cause fatty deposits to build up and harden (known as atherosclerosis). This can lead to the narrowing of the blood vessel which reduces blood flow.

Diseases affecting the blood vessels are the most common long-term complications. 

This damage can have two different forms:

Microvascular disease

Damage to small blood vessels  called capillaries causing problems with feet, eyes and kidneys

Macrovascular disease

Damage to large blood vessels called arteries, causing problems with the heart, the brain and legs