Many problems faced by men in their 40s to 60s, such as poor circulation and erectile dysfunction (ED), often stem from aging blood vessels and poor blood flow. Even if you haven't been diagnosed with diabetes during a health checkup, persistently high blood sugar levels silently and surely damage blood vessels throughout the body
This article will explain in detail the mechanism behind why high blood sugar worsens blood flow and introduce new ways to improve it
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The effects of high blood sugar on blood vessels
When there is too much sugar in the blood, it puts a great strain on the blood vessels. Particularly serious is the damage to the tissues lining the blood vessels. Here, we will explain the negative effects of high blood sugar on blood vessels
Effects on the inside of blood vessels
The inside of blood vessels is lined with endothelial cells, which form a wall that allows blood to flow smoothly. When blood sugar levels are high, an enzyme called PKC (protein kinase C), which is involved in cell signaling, becomes activated. When PKC is activated, an enzyme in the endothelial cells (NAD(P)H oxidase) is stimulated, and a large amount of harmful reactive oxygen species are produced. These reactive oxygen species damage the endothelial cells, causing the blood vessels to lose their natural ability to expand flexibly (vasodilatory capacity)
AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) cause vascular aging
When excess sugar in the blood binds to proteins in blood vessels, harmful substances called AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) are created. AGEs generate reactive oxygen species and have the function of triggering inflammatory signals inside cells. Once accumulated, they are not easily eliminated
In addition to directly damaging endothelial cells, it promotes the formation of atherosclerotic plaques (clumps) on the inside of blood vessels. When plaque forms, blood flow decreases or is blocked, and arteriosclerosis progresses, causing the blood vessels to harden and become brittle. The condition continues to worsen silently without any noticeable symptoms
Source:MSD Manual | Atherosclerosis
Damage to the entire body, from large blood vessels to small ones
The aging of blood vessels due to high blood sugar is by no means a localized problem. It damages the entire body, from the large blood vessels that power the heart to the tiny vessels that carry nutrients to your fingertips, leading to a variety of problems. Let's look at some of the specific symptoms that may appear
Effects on large blood vessels
When arteriosclerosis progresses in the large blood vessels connecting the heart and brain, the vessels narrow, and blood flow becomes more viscous and sluggish. This is extremely dangerous because it not only worsens blood flow but also makes it easier for blood clots to form
If this blood clot blocks a blood vessel, it can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) and cerebral infarction (stroke). These illnesses can strike suddenly, and it is not uncommon for them to leave severe after-effects such as partial paralysis
Effects on small blood vessels
A characteristic of high blood sugar damage is that it first manifests itself in the capillaries, which are spread throughout the body like a network. Because oxygen and nutrients cannot reach the nerves and cells in the extremities, effects such as numbness in the hands and feet (diabetic neuropathy), deterioration of kidney function (diabetic nephropathy), and damage to the blood vessels in the eyes (diabetic retinopathy) begin to appear
Furthermore, erectile dysfunction (ED), which troubles men in their 40s and older, is thought to be partly caused by impaired blood flow in the small blood vessels
Lifestyle habits and stem cell therapy to improve blood flow and rejuvenate blood vessels
Caring for damaged blood vessels requires a combination of daily effort and new medical treatments. Here, we'll explain lifestyle changes you can start today and treatment options aimed at improvement
Vascular care you can do in your daily life
In terms of diet, the basics are calorie restriction, fiber intake, and choosing low-GI foods (foods that do not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels after eating). For type 2 diabetes, short-term carbohydrate restriction for a few months can be effective, but it is important to maintain a nutritionally balanced diet
Furthermore, aerobic exercise such as walking and strength training promote blood flow and improve insulin function. Smoking stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, raising blood sugar levels and interfering with insulin, so quitting smoking is essential. If achieving this on your own is difficult, consider using smoking cessation clinics or medications
Source:Japan Diabetes Society | Diabetes Treatment Guidelines 2024
Expectations for stem cell therapy aimed at regenerating blood vessels
For vascular damage associated with diabetes, regenerative medicine aimed at repairing and improving the function of blood vessels is being researched and implemented in some cases. In this treatment, the general procedure involves culturing stem cells extracted from tissue and returning them to the body intravenously via infusion
It has been reported that stem cells that enter the body gather around damaged blood vessels, and their involvement in vascular function is being studied. Furthermore, stem cells are known to secrete components related to angiogenesis, but these effects and clinical efficacy are still under research, and similar effects have not been confirmed in all patients
summary
Poor blood flow due to high blood sugar is the root of many diseases and rapidly accelerates aging throughout the body. It is crucial not to overlook minor daily ailments such as cold hands and feet or fatigue, and to improve your lifestyle habits as soon as possible. If you are starting to worry about damage to your blood vessels, it is important to first get a proper evaluation at a medical institution and review your lifestyle habits. After that, regenerative medicine should be carefully considered as one of the treatment methods still in the research stage, in consultation with a doctor