Angiopathy is any disease of the blood vessels or lymph vessels. When caused by diabetes, it may be referred to as diabetic angiopathy or diabetic vascular disease. Like most complications of diabetes, diabetic angiopathy is largely  due to hyperglycemia (high glucose levels).

People with diabetes who do not control their glucose (blood sugar) can develop vascular disease because high levels of glucose may damage blood vessels over time. This increases the risk of the vessels becoming clogged, blocking blood flow. When blood cannot carry oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body, the cells can become damaged or begin to die.

Too much glucose can exacerbate unhealthy cholesterol levels and contribute to atherosclerosis, a disease in which the arteries are hardened and narrowed by a gradual buildup of plaque on their inner walls.

A complication of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and other forms of diabetes, angiopathy can occur in any area of the body. Vascular problems in the heart, brain, limbs, eyes and kidneys are common in people with diabetes. Because of the potential danger of diabetic angiopathy to body systems, preventing or minimizing this damage is a key goal of diabetes management.

Strategies to help prevent angiopathy include:

• Control of glucose
• Control of high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Improving cholesterol levels
• Monitoring protein levels in urine (proteinuria)
• Eye tests, including a dilated pupil exam
• Foot care
• Regular exercise
• Good diet
• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol
• Not smoking
• Aspirin therapy if recommended by a physician