PAD awareness urged for diabetics by Yashoda doctor

Karimnagar: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is rising sharply among diabetic patients, cautioned Dr. D. Prabhakar, Senior Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals, Secunderabad, during a press meet in Karimnagar.

He explained that PAD occurs when blood vessels supplying the legs become narrowed or blocked, reducing circulation. In diabetics, even small injuries can turn into non-healing ulcers, and nerve damage may hide pain, delaying diagnosis.

Dr. Prabhakar advised immediate medical attention for symptoms like leg pain while walking, cold feet, fatigue, blackening of toes, or slow-healing wounds. Early detection through Doppler scans and leg blood pressure tests can prevent complications.

He stressed strict blood sugar control, quitting smoking, daily foot care, and timely treatment options like medication or angioplasty. He emphasized that early awareness can prevent amputations.

He also announced monthly OPD services in Karimnagar every third Tuesday at Yashoda Medical Center.