A Review of Peripheral Artery Disease in Diabetic Patients in Sub-Saharan Africa

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower extremities and is associated with an increased risk of amputation and cardiovascular events. The interplay between diabetes and PAD is complex, influenced by shared risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking. High rates of undiagnosed diabetes, coupled with barriers to accessing care, contribute to the complexity of managing PAD. Unique to the Sub-Sahara region is associations with communicable diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis which further complicates the epidemiological landscape. Comprehensive management strategies, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and revascularization procedures, are essential. However, the region faces challenges such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure and high costs of treatment. This narrative review highlights the epidemiology of PAD in people with diabetes, the risk factors associated with PAD, the impact of PAD on the morbidity and mortality of individuals with diabetes, as well as the management of PAD in individuals with diabetes, with attention geared toward Sub-Saharan Africa These insights are critical for developing effective strategies to mitigate the burden of PAD in diabetes, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Further research is essential to understand the associations between diabetes and other diseases in the region.