Patient was instructed on diabetes symptoms. People with diabetes also are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis (thickening and hardening of the artery). Atherosclerosis can involve the heart (coronary heart disease), with symptoms of chest pain or heart attack. Brain (cerebrovascular disease), causing stroke. Arteries supplying the legs (peripheral vascular disease), causing leg pain while walking or exercising that stops quickly with rest.