Global Peripheral Artery Disease Affected Millions in 2023
Peripheral arterial disease poses serious risks for individuals with diabetes, making early screening and lifestyle changes essential.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Diabetes
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Would you undergo a routine, painless test to detect early signs of arterial disease?
In 2023, approximately 316.54 million people worldwide lived with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This condition disproportionately affects those with diabetes, a population reaching nearly 540 million people globally.
Why it matters
Early detection of PAD allows for critical interventions like smoking cessation and medication therapy, which are essential to prevent severe outcomes. Without management, circulatory impairment can lead to high rates of amputation or death.
A clinical series published in The Lancet estimated that 316.54 million individuals worldwide had PAD in 2023. These findings highlight that up to 90% of symptomatic patients face death, amputation, or cancer within five years of treatment.
The players
The German Society for Vascular Surgery
A professional medical association that advocates for improved screening protocols and preventative care for vascular health.
The details
Peripheral arterial disease occurs when arteries in the legs narrow over time, severely restricting blood flow to the limbs. Clinicians often screen for this using an ankle-brachial index test, which calculates the ratio of blood pressure at the ankle compared to the upper arm. A result below 0.9 is often used as a threshold to identify potential circulatory issues that require medical attention.
Timeline
2023: Estimated prevalence of PAD reached 316.54 million individuals worldwide.
September 23, 2026: The Lancet published the clinical series on vascular disease.
Health Landscape
The global burden of peripheral arterial disease increasingly complicates the management of chronic conditions like diabetes. These findings follow the pattern established by the Hamburg City Health Study, which identified high rates of undiagnosed circulatory impairment in the general adult population.
If you have diabetes, discuss your risk for circulatory impairment and the necessity of an ankle-brachial index test with your doctor. Recognizing early symptoms of poor blood flow can help you prevent long-term complications like severe tissue damage.
The takeaway
Peripheral arterial disease is a significant risk for those with diabetes, with severe outcomes often following symptomatic diagnosis. Tracking your blood pressure and discussing vascular health screenings with your physician are vital habits for long-term health management.
Further reading
For more on managing vascular complications related to metabolic health, visit our Diabetes section.
Live Poll
Would you undergo a routine, painless test to detect early signs of arterial disease?
