Picture of Peripheral Vascular Disease

Diabetes affects not only blood sugar but also blood flow and the health of the blood vessels. Poor blow flow means it takes longer for wounds to heal. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is the name given to poor blood flow to the extremities. Slow wound healing increases the risk of tissue death (gangrene or ulcers).
Image Source: BigStockPhoto / Jennifer Nickert
Text Reference: American Heart Association: "Peripheral Artery Disease & Diabetes"
Text Reference: American Heart Association: "Peripheral Artery Disease & Diabetes"