Which individuals are at the highest risk of developing PAD?

Patients with diabetes are indeed recognized as having a significantly heightened risk for developing peripheral artery disease (PAD). This is primarily because diabetes contributes to a number of pathophysiological changes, including endothelial dysfunction, accelerated atherosclerosis, and neuropathy, all of which can compromise vascular health and circulation.

Individuals with diabetes may also experience peripheral neuropathy, leading to reduced sensation in the feet and legs. This can delay the detection of PAD, as symptoms like claudication may not be noticed until the disease has advanced. Furthermore, the combination of high blood glucose levels and the overall metabolic disturbances associated with diabetes can exacerbate the progression of vascular diseases, increasing the risk for PAD even more.

While hypertensive patients, smokers, and those with high cholesterol are also at risk for PAD, the impact of diabetes is particularly severe due to the multifactorial ways it influences vascular health and its association with other cardiovascular risk factors. This creates a scenario in which diabetic individuals are more likely to present with PAD at an earlier age and with more severe manifestations compared to those with other risk factors.