This picture shows how atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) causes the walls of the blood vessels to be scarred and uneven. This allows plaque (such as cholesterol) to build up inside the vessels. Because the build up narrows the passageway for blood to pass, the heart has to work harder resulting in high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. Photo courtesy of http://www.healingdaily.com/oral-chelation/oral-chelation-for-atherosclerosis.gif
This is a picture of a typical leg ulcer found on diabetic patients. Because of the atherosclerosis and the build up of plaque, the blood has a difficult time passing through the vessels and to distant parts of the body. As a result of poor circulation, minor cuts can turn into infected wounds. These injuries cannot get an adequate blood supply to repair the area. In extreme cases, the leg or foot has to be amputated because the body cannot heal itself. Photo courtesy of http://www.familyhealthmedia.com/images/Williams,%20bull%20view%20of%20ulcer,%20green%20bkgnd.jpg
This is an ulcer on the bottom of the foot. The cause is the same as the leg ulcer. Poor circulation contributes to the severity of this wound and in some cases toes, feet, and legs have to be removed for the safety and health of the patient. Photo courtesy of http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.faqs.org/health/images/uchr_01_img0064.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.faqs.org/health/Body-by-Design-V1/The-Endocrine-System.html&h=205&w=205&sz=8&hl=en&start=3&tbnid=5jTZUz-3fxZ8xM:&tbnh=105&tbnw=105&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddiabetes%2Bulcer%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D
This is a picture of gangrene. Gangrene is when a part of the body (usually a distant limb) does not get adequate blood flow. The tissue begins to die and decay. Once gangrene sets in, the decaying portion can cause an infection in the living tissue surrounding it. In advanced stages of gangrene, the body part has to be amputated. Photo courtesy of http://www.smoke-free.ca/warnings/warningsimages/brazil/gangrene-medium.jpg
This photo shows advanced gingivitis, more commonly known as gum disease. The uncontrolled high levels of sugar in the body of a diabetic can really take a toll on the mouth. Teeth begin to decay and fall out and the gums become swollen and red. Photo courtesy of http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/430/20050929143253/www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmg/photos/s13c104photo04.jpg
