Conditions · Diabetes complications
Peripheral vascular disease
Peripheral vascular disease is reduced blood flow to the limbs, most often the legs and feet, which raises the risk of poor wound healing, infection, and pain with walking.
Symptoms
- Leg pain or cramping with walking that eases with rest (claudication)
- Cold feet or legs, or a change in skin color
- Slow-healing wounds on the feet or legs
- Weak or absent pulses in the feet, on exam
Causes & risk factors
- Long-duration or poorly-controlled diabetes
- Smoking
- High blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol
- Age
How it’s diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with a clinical exam (pulses, skin changes) and can be confirmed with non-invasive blood flow testing, coordinated with partner facilities where specialist vascular imaging is needed.
How it’s treated
Management addresses the underlying risk factors (glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking cessation), alongside supervised exercise and, in more advanced cases, referral for vascular intervention.
When to seek care
- New or worsening leg pain with walking
- A cold, painful, or discolored foot or leg
- A slow-healing wound on the foot or leg
FAQ
Is peripheral vascular disease the same as peripheral neuropathy?
No — vascular disease affects blood flow, while neuropathy affects nerve sensation. They often occur together in diabetes and both contribute to foot ulcer risk.
Sources
- American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026
Medical disclaimer: Content on this page is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Outcomes vary between patients. Boston Diabetes Center is outpatient / day-care specialty centre with an on-site diagnostic lab and pharmacy — no inpatient beds; imaging and inpatient care are coordinated through partner facilities.