Vein issues can be serious no matter your state of health, but if you are diabetic, you very much need to be aware and if you notice any symptoms or signs of venous insufficiency, see a vein specialist immediately to avoid serious complications.
Though diabetes does not cause or lead into varicose veins, being overweight as well as having diabetes could make vein disease worse.
High blood sugar built up in the blood can damage blood vessels and weaken organs. This paves the way for arterial plaque to form. This is why diabetics are prone to peripheral artery disease causing leg pain during walking. This can cause them to be more sedentary which is also bad for circulation and can exacerbate problems like varicose veins that are already beginning.
Some patients with diabetes may develop CVI (chronic venous insufficiency). This increases the risk for varicose vein formation. When you have CVI the tiny one-way valves in the veins of the leg don’t work properly. It can weaken and stretch the veins and lead into varicose and spider veins. Having high blood pressure, carrying extra weight, or being diabetic make this condition more likely to occur.
Advice:
Watch your weight
- Don’t smoke
- Eat a balanced diet
- Get plenty of movement
- Drink enough water
- Take all medications as recommended by your doctor
If you are diabetic, it is important to keep a close eye on your levels and your health in general. If you notice any visible vein issues or your legs just simply don’t feel right, make an appointment with your Vein Specialist, and bring in a list of what you are experiencing. We have found that patients that write down all their symptoms work through to a diagnosis more quickly because they aren’t leaving anything out inadvertently.
If you are in the Tampa Bay / Safety Harbor region of Florida we invite you to visit our office for a consultation. Dr. Mark Zugza, D.O. is one of the areas top Vein Specialists. Go to www.westfloridaveincenter.com to learn more. 727-712-3233.
