Many people believe that Diabetes causes varicose veins and other venous diseases. The truth isn’t quite so straightforward.

A number of medical conditions are associated with venous disease. Among the more serious of these disorders is diabetes, which can significantly exacerbate the symptoms of varicose veins and other chronic venous insufficiencies. While diabetes and venous disease aren’t direct causes of each other, there are some shared risk factors between the two that can make them particularly dangerous when seen in conjunction with each other.

How Does Diabetes Affect Circulation?

Diabetes affects the nerves, arteries, and skin in the legs and feet. When too much glucose builds up in the blood, numbness can occur in the limb, preventing patients from recognizing and responding to injuries. As the disease progresses, blood flow in the arteries of the legs and feet begins to diminish, resulting in further damage to the nerves and, in some cases, ulcers on the feet.

Much like diabetes, venous disease negatively affects circulation in the legs and feet, resulting in significant swelling, itching, and burning. Uncontrolled/poorly controlled diabetes with lymphatic edema will worsen venous symptoms by placing additional stress on the veins. As a result, patients with diabetes and circulatory problems are even more susceptible to the usual complications of each — in particular, significant leg swelling and infection risk. These complications tend to be much more severe, especially when care is delayed.

Who Is at Risk?

Diabetes and venous diseases can occur simultaneously. Though most often seen in older, overweight individuals with a family history of either condition, both are sometimes present in individuals with certain characteristics. The most common risk factors include:

• Age
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• A family history of the disease or a genetic predisposition to it

What Should Patients Do?

While diabetes and venous disease aren’t causally linked, each can be effectively managed with similar measures, including:

• Regular physician visits and screening exams with your PCP and vein specialists
• Taking an active role in self-care and following your physician’s recommendations
• Regular exercise that includes use and strengthening of the leg muscles
• Weight loss
• Taking excellent care of your skin — clean you leg skin daily and moisturize at least two times per day
• Excellent foot and nail care, including a podiatrist visit every six months (or more frequently, as nail care dictates) for a detailed foot exam
• Wearing knee-high compression socks during the day
• Elevating the legs above the heart for 30 minutes, three to four times a day
• Inspecting the legs and feet regularly for wounds, ulcers, or other issues like swelling and/or varicose veins

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes and are currently experiencing varicose vein-like symptoms (or worried you may be at risk of developing venous insufficiency), contact a vein specialist and schedule an appointment today.

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