When diabetes and heart disease occur together, their combined effects often extend far beyond blood sugar numbers or chest discomfort. In fact, some of the earliest visible warning signs can appear in an unexpected place — your feet.
Both the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) emphasize that diabetes and cardiovascular disease are closely connected. Adults living with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease, and cardiovascular complications remain the leading cause of death among people with diabetes.
Understanding how these conditions interact is essential — especially when it comes to foot health.
The Medical Link Between Diabetes and Heart Disease
Chronic high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) does more than affect glucose levels. According to the ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes (2024), prolonged hyperglycemia damages both small and large blood vessels.
This includes:
• Microvascular damage — affecting small blood vessels and nerves
• Macrovascular damage — affecting larger arteries, including coronary and peripheral arteries
The AHA further explains that diabetes accelerates atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque inside arteries. Over time, this narrowing restricts blood flow throughout the body.
Because the feet are the farthest structures from the heart, they are particularly vulnerable when circulation declines.
Why the Feet Are Especially at Risk
Two major complications connect diabetes, heart disease, and foot problems:
1. Peripheral Neuropathy
The ADA identifies diabetic peripheral neuropathy as one of the most common complications of long-term diabetes. Elevated blood sugar damages nerves, especially in the legs and feet.
Symptoms may include:
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning sensations
• Reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature
When sensation decreases, small cuts, blisters, or pressure injuries may go unnoticed — allowing them to worsen before treatment begins.
2. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
The AHA describes PAD as a manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis. Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet.
Reduced circulation can lead to:
• Slow wound healing
• Increased infection risk
• Higher likelihood of ulcers
• In severe cases, tissue death (gangrene)
When neuropathy (nerve damage) and PAD (reduced blood flow) occur together — which is common in diabetes — the risk of serious foot complications rises sharply.
Foot Symptoms That May Signal Cardiovascular Risk
Early recognition is critical. According to both the ADA and AHA, the following signs warrant attention:
• Cold feet or lower temperature — may indicate reduced arterial circulation
• Swelling in ankles or feet — persistent edema can signal heart failure
• Leg pain during walking (claudication) — a classic PAD symptom that improves with rest
• Slow-healing wounds — ulcers that do not improve within two weeks require evaluation
• Skin discoloration (pale, bluish, or reddish tones) — may suggest impaired blood flow
These symptoms are not isolated to the feet. They may reflect broader vascular disease.
The Compounded Risk
The ADA reports that people with diabetes face a significantly increased risk of lower-extremity amputation, particularly when neuropathy and PAD coexist.
The AHA stresses that PAD is not merely a “leg condition.” It is a marker of widespread atherosclerosis and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
In other words, foot symptoms can be a window into cardiovascular health.
Prevention Strategies Based on Medical Guidelines
Both organizations provide clear recommendations to reduce risk.
ADA Prevention Measures:
• Annual comprehensive foot exams
• More frequent evaluations for high-risk patients
• Daily self-inspection of the feet
• Tight blood glucose control
• Immediate evaluation of ulcers or infections
AHA Cardiovascular Prevention Measures:
• Control blood pressure
• Manage cholesterol levels
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stop smoking
• Engage in regular physical activity
These steps help protect both the heart and the lower extremities.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Urgent medical attention is necessary if you experience:
• Sudden severe discoloration in the foot
• Signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus)
• Rapid swelling
• Chest pain accompanied by leg symptoms
• New, severe leg pain
Early treatment dramatically reduces the risk of permanent damage.
The Clinical Perspective
The feet often reflect what is happening inside the vascular system.
The American Diabetes Association emphasizes that most diabetic foot complications are preventable with early detection and consistent management.
The American Heart Association highlights that peripheral artery disease is a serious cardiovascular condition that should never be ignored.
When diabetes and heart disease coexist, monitoring foot health becomes more than routine care — it becomes a vital component of cardiovascular protection.
Protecting your feet is not separate from protecting your heart. In many cases, it is part of the same effort.
