To characterize potential vascular long-term effects of flavanols in patients with peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD), a placebo-controlled double-blinded randomized control study will be performed in 62 patients randomized in two groups. Patients will twice daily receive either a flavanol-poor cocoa drink or a flavanol-rich cocoa drink over a period of 60 days months.

62 Type 2 diabetics according to the criteria of the American Diabetes Association suffering from PAOD with a pain free walking distance less than 250m will be enrolled.

Patients will twice daily receive either a flavanol-poor cocoa drink (13mg/dl)or a flavanol-rich cocoa drink (596mg/dl) over a period of 60 days.

The general condition, the pain free walking distance and the vascular function measured by Doppler Ultrasound will be determined before and two month after cocoa ingestion

Inclusion Criteria:

• peripheral artery disease (Fontaine IIb)
• diabetes mellitus
• > 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• acute and terminal renal failure
• acute infection
• heart failure (NYHA III-IV)
• arrhythmias