The Connection Between Diabetes And Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are a sign of aging – enlarged, gnarled veins clearly visible through the skin. Is there a connection between varicose veins and diabetes? A lot of people think that diabetes causes varicose veins. The truth is rather more complicated than that. Does Diabetes Cause Varicose Veins? No. Diabetes does not “cause” varicose veins – not all diabetics develop them and varicose veins are also seen in other older individuals. The apparent correlation is, instead, the result of the risk factors for both being similar. Varicose veins are, in fact, caused by “venous insufficiency” – the flow of blood through the veins is slow and blood pools in the veins, causing the visible enlargement. The root cause is problems with the valves that keep blood flowing in the correct direction, towards the heart. This is why varicose veins are generally seen on the legs. Diabetes, on the other hand, is a result of insulin resistance or the production of insufficient insulin. (Type I diabetics have a chronic insufficiency from an early age, Type II develops in older adults). When the two occur together it is because both varicose veins and type II diabetes are seen in older, overweight individuals who have a family history of the disease. Both can also occur in pregnant women. These shared risk factors are often the reason why varicose veins are often attributed to diabetes. Both diabetes and varicose veins are possible health hazards for individuals who are: aging pregnant obese have a family history or genetic predisposition How Can Diabetics Prevent Varicose Veins? First of all, remember that the one does not cause the other – but the measures taken to prevent varicose veins can also help with circulation problems caused by diabetes. Patients should keep salt intak Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Varicose Veins
There are several complications associated with having diabetes with two in particular as it relates to vein disease: vascular complications and leg ulcerations. You may have read that diabetes leads to vascular disease; however, vascular disease encompasses both the arterial and venous components. When vascular complications arise from diabetes, they are arterial complications and DO NOT cause varicose veins. These arterial complications can affect the legs, kidneys, and eyes. Foot and ankle ulcers are frequently associated with diabetes; however, these non-healing wounds could be caused from venous disease (varicose veins). Many people with non-healing wounds are frequently tested for diabetes multiple times when they really should be seeing a vein specialist like Dr. Albert. It’s been reported that venous stasis ulcerations cause up to 70% of all non-healing wounds. If you have a non-healing wound, Albert Vein Institute may be able to help you. Please call 888-550-VEIN (8346) to schedule your initial consultation. Continue reading >>
Is There Any Treatment For Varicose Veins For A Diabetic Person?
Varicose veins can be, and often are, treated in a diabetic patient. Treatment requires vascular surgical assessment before any intervention in a diabetic patient. Ideally the vascular surgeon is involved at every stage, even if not performing each procedure. Many extra considerations apply and it is wise to let the patient reflect on the available options in most cases. Some basic concepts and examples are: 1. Mildly symptomatic, uncomplicated veins that are an appearance issue may be better left alone. Support stockings or socks can reduce symptoms and stabilise venous dermatitis. 2. A review consultation and repeat vascular venous ultrasound exam should be part of the initial care plan. Varicose veins that worsen or develop complications may then be reconsidered for intervention (largely this means their removal or ablation). 3. A conservative approach with specialist review is preferred because treating varicose veins may involve intervention on the long (greater) or short (lesser) saphenous veins. These long straight superficial veins are important potential autogenous graft options for the patient in the future. They are useful for these purposes even if moderately varicose. Despite the advent of stents and synthetic grafts for peripheral arterial disease and stents and arterial grafts for cardiac bypass operations, there remain a substantial number of diabetic patients in whom these veins may be life or limb saving grafts later in life. 4. Conversely, varicose veins associated with complications often deserve intervention. Typically one is referred a diabetic patient with a leg ulcer. Assessment and treatment of the arterial circulation comes first. This involves the usual pathways: optimise diabetes control, start or review cholesterol lowering therapy, start or Continue reading >>
Does Diabetes Increase Your Risk For Varicose Veins?
Does Diabetes Increase Your Risk for Varicose Veins? Posted by CenterForVein in Varicose Veins , Vein Health While diabetes isnt a direct cause of varicose veins, it can greatly exacerbate the symptoms of existing conditions. Since diabetes also affects circulatory health, its only natural to assume that it has some connection with varicose veins. Indeed, while diabetes isnt a direct cause of varicose veins, it has been established that it can exacerbate the severity of a patients existing venous insufficiencies and vice versa. While any case of varicose veins should be addressed proactively and quickly, patients who also have diabetes should act with an increased sense of urgency. Since diabetes gradually weakens the veins and leaves them more susceptible to infection, and varicose veins are chronically inflamed, varicose veins can actually worsen the symptoms of diabetes and vice versa. In short, each condition promotes the others progression, making the two a particularly dangerous combination. Patients with diabetes and a predisposition to varicose veins should take extra care to reduce their risk as greatly as possible. Eating foods high in fiber and avoiding foods rich with sodium, for example, will minimize swelling in the veins. Similarly, regular exercise, consistently elevating the legs when resting, and refraining from sitting or standing for extended periods of time will all encourage circulation. Wearing loose-fitting pants and undergarments can also make a difference. Since diabetes weakens the veins and can cause swelling, it can also lead to or facilitate other circulatory problems. The most common issues, of course, are related to the feet, such as neuropathy, pain, weakness, poor circulation, or changes to foot shape. Additionally, diabetics can be mo Continue reading >>
Caring For Your Veins If You Have Diabetes
If you have diabetes, many of the things that you can do to manage your health will also be good for your circulation and veins. Learn how diabetes and vein health are related, and what you can do to stay healthy. How Diabetes Affects Vein Health High blood sugar, or glucose, caused by diabetes can damage your veins and arteries, as well as the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels. This increases your risk of heart disease and stroke as well as certain vein diseases. Many people with diabetes also have chronic venous disease (CVD). Diabetes may make your CVD symptoms worse. Diabetes may increase your risk of blood clots in your leg (venous thromboembolism) by a small amount, although the results of scientific studies are mixed. Diabetes and Venous Ulcers Two major complications of diabetes are nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation (peripheral arterial disease, or PAD). These can cause slow-healing or non-healing sores (ulcers) in the feet. These diabetic ulcers are similar to venous or stasis ulcers. However, venous ulcers are caused by blood pooling in the veins of the legs due to ineffective valves in the veins. If you have diabetes and venous ulcers, then keeping your blood sugar under control can help the wounds heal faster. The main signs of diabetic neuropathy or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) include: Bunions Dry skin on the feet Hammer toes Sores or ulcers on the feet that do not heal Thickened toenails Weak or absent pulses in the feet or lower legs Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke Its crucial to keep your blood sugar under control by following your doctor’s instructions for insulin injections, medications, diet and exercise. You can also reduce your risk for diabetes complications and vein disease by eating a well-balanced diet, mai Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Varicose Veins – Learn More On Keye November 12
Dr. Stephen Bunker and his medical team will be at the KEYE Television studios on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. They will be discussing frequently asked questions about diabetes and varicose veins. Watch for the live interview at 3:15 PM for answers to these questions and more! Be sure to call into the phone bank during the news hour and schedule your free screening. This will also be a monthly television event, so stay tuned by liking our Facebook page. Does diabetes cause varicose veins? There are no proven direct links between diabetes and varicose veins. Standing for long periods of time, however, does increase the risk of varicose and spider veins – and people who are overweight and stand for too long place greater strain on the veins in their legs. Being overweight also increases the risk of developing diabetes, as well as developing other medical conditions that can impair healthy blood flow. Simply put, the more weight that the legs have to support, then the harder it is for veins to fight gravity and do their job. What types of foot problems are common in people with diabetes? Diabetes causes damage to small blood vessels, including those that supply the nerves. Foot problems most often happen when there is nerve damage, also called neuropathy. This can cause tingling, pain (burning or stinging), or weakness in the foot. It can also cause loss of feeling in the foot, resulting in developing an injury without knowing about it. Poor blood flow, or changes in the shape of the feet or toes, may also cause problems. What can people with diabetes do to prevent varicose veins? To prevent swelling, people with diabetes should do the following: Cut down on salt intake Elevate the legs when resting Eat high-fiber foods such as bran cereals, whole grain breads, and fres Continue reading >>
How Diabetes Affects Leg And Heart Vascular And Leg
Diabetes and Leg, Heart Vascular and Leg siteadmin 2018-02-18T23:12:42+00:00 How Diabetes Affects Leg and Heart Vascular and Leg Diabetes can harm the body in many ways, including damage to the nerves and blood vessels in the legs. As a result, many people with diabetes experience serious medical complications with their legs and feet that can affect every aspect of their lives. Left untreated, these medical conditions in the legs and feet can lead to amputations. An estimated 73,000 people with diabetes undergo amputations each year, according to the American Diabetes Association. Approximately 60% of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations occur in people with diagnosed diabetes . But with timely treatment, many amputations are preventable. And it is our mission at the Vein and Vascular Center to make Kern County amputation-free. If you or a loved one has diabetes and symptoms of leg or foot pain, swelling or chronic wounds, call today for an appointment: 888-918-3137. How does diabetes affect the legs and feet? Atherosclerosis: Because people living with diabetes cannot process glucose properly, glucose can build up in the blood stream. This excess glucose can cause fatty deposits to build up in the blood vessels, which constricts blood flow to the legs and feet. Over time, the deposits can amass to the point where it blocks blood flow and causes the blood vessels to harden. This is called atherosclerosis. Diabetic neuropathy: High glucose levels can also damage nerves, a condition called diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes can damage nerve fibers throughout the body, but it most often affects the legs and feet. Neuropathy can be painful, debilitating, and even deadly if not treated. In other words, unmanaged diabetes severely compromises your circulatory and nervous system, Continue reading >>
[veins And Diabetes].
Abstract Patients with trophic ulcers of lower extremities are relatively frequently diagnosed with diabetes mellitus with venous aetiology being the cause of these defects in up to 70% of patients. Chronic venous insufficiency most frequently results from primary venous insufficiency (mostly lower limb varices) or occurs secondarily as a result of deep vein thrombosis. Lower limb varices are common in human population; they affect 20-25% of women and 10-15% of men, and the incidence increases with age. With respect to radicality of treatment approaches, surgical management is unequivocally considered as the most effective. Apart from the traditional open surgery, clinical practice of the recent years has seen the advance of mini-invasive endovascular methods to treat varices of the main (stem) veins--radiofrequency and laser thermocoagulation. The main principle behind radiofrequency ablation is thermocoagulation of insufficient saphenous vein by bipolar radiofrequency current; endovenous laser uses, for the same purpose, energy of a beam of light. Both methods inactivate the insufficient veins while leaving them in the patient body. Thermal damage of the pathological venous wall leads to contraction and obliteration of the vein and, gradually, to its full resorption. Apart from minimizing recurrence, the technique is also valuable with respect to its cosmetic effect and gentleness of the procedure, allowing fast return to full activity. Studies comparing endovascular interventions with the traditional surgeries confirmed that radiofrequency or laser techniques are safe and well tolerated with the outcomes fully comparable to open surgery in its modern form. Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Varicose Veins
Heredity, lifestyle, age, and pregnancy are the most significant risk factors for varicose veins. No matter the cause, veins become varicose when the valves inside them stop functioning properly. Because of this, the blood that should be on its way back to the heart ends up pooling in the legs. This increases the pressure within the veins and stretches them out, giving them their easily recognizable bumpy, twisted appearance. There are a lot of questions about varicose veins that remain to be answered, so it is understandable that individuals suffering from other diseases which can have negative effects on health, like diabetes, may be worried that they too might have to add varicose veins to their existing list of health concerns. There does not seem to be a direct link between diabetes and varicose veins, but because the two diseases share several risk factors, It is not uncommon for a patient with one of these diseases to experience the other later down the line. One important thing to remember is the increased likeliness of complication during surgery for diabetics. This will be important for a physician to consider in determining the safest and most effective treatment options for an individual patient. For diabetic persons experiencing symptoms of varicose veins, it is very important that they consult a vein disease specialist to ensure the most appropriate measures are taken. Avoiding treatment can lead to more apparent varicose veins, worsening pain and swelling, and tired and achy legs. In more serious situations, patients can develop Edema (an excess of watery fluid collecting in the leg tissue), Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clots in the leg), and even venous ulcers. Combining these risks with existing ones associated with diabetes is unwise. It is important to Continue reading >>
Varicose Vein Issues And Diabetes
People with diabetes are more prone to blood flow problems known as peripheral vascular disease and nerve ending issues known as neuropathy. Excess glucose creates damage to the blood vessels and nerves especially the smaller vessels and weakens the veins. Although there is no direct link between diabetes and varicose veins, many people suffer from these conditions simultaneously. “50% of people 50 and over have varicose veins.” Although not as troublesome as neuropathy or PAD, varicose veins can be painful and troublesome. They are more common in women due to their fluctuating hormone levels but are seen in men as well. Varicose veins can have a negative impact on blood circulation. Let’s examine varicose veins: What are Varicose Veins? Varicose veins are enlarged, elongated, bulging blue and purple veins that resemble cords and are twisted directly under the skin due to relaxed vein walls. The veins have a one-way valve “that prevents blood from flowing backwards due to the pull of gravity.” Over time, and for specific reasons, the vein valves become faulty and relax. Some of the blood, which should be traveling to your heart, backs up and pools in the veins. This then continues to weaken the vein walls. Besides large varicose veins, the relaxed valves can cause spider veins which are smaller, superficial and mostly cosmetic. They are usually found on the calves or on the insides of the thighs. Varicose veins can also cause venous insufficiency which is a true circulation problem that can occur in deeper veins and cause blood clots. What are the Risk Factors of Varicose Veins? One of the biggest risk factors is heredity and family history. Other risk factors are: being over the age of 50, being pregnant due to increased blood volume/hormones, and going throu Continue reading >>
Is There A Link Between Diabetes And Varicose Veins?
Is There a Link Between Diabetes and Varicose Veins? Is There a Link Between Diabetes and Varicose Veins? Is There a Link Between Diabetes and Varicose Veins? Posted on January 10, 2018 by Ryan Rivard The answer is yes and no. Yes, people who have both diabetes and varicose veins have a greater risk of developing certain conditions and facing complications than people who do not. And no, diabetes does not cause varicose veins, nor do varicose veins cause diabetes. They are completely different conditions that impact many of the same body systems. Lets look at how they overlap, and what it means to those who affected by both conditions. Being overweight will put you at risk for developing diabetes and increase your risk of developing varicose veins. However, if you maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet that is high in fiber and exercise regularly, you can help forestall, prevent, or control both conditions and significantly reduce their impact on your overall health. Diabetes can cause damage to your small blood vessels. Varicose veins are characterized by damaged valves in blood vessels that prevent blood from flowing from the tissues to the heart. In both cases, the impact they have on the body may cause you to feel pain and discomfort in the legs and feet pain and discomfort that should not be ignored. Like type 2 diabetes, varicose veins most often appear in people who have reached middle age and they both often follow a genetic predisposition. But, although varicose veins appear after 40 in most cases, they are not a normal part of aging and they can occur at any age. Diabetes weakens the immune system making diabetics are more susceptible to developing wounds, ulcers, and numbness, especially in the lower extremities. If combined with a severe case of var Continue reading >>
Sclerotherapy In The Patient With Diabetes: Indications And Results
Download this issue Francesco FERRARA and Giovanni FERRARA Goal: To assess the effects of combined compression and sclerotherapy treatment on varicose veins in patients with diabetes. Materials and methods: We evaluated 60 lower limbs with varicose veins from people with diabetes who underwent one session of sclerotherapy according to Sigg’s method. Varices were associated with reflux along the length of the great saphenous vein in 47 limbs, in the small saphenous vein in 8 limbs, and with nonsaphenous reflux in 5 limbs. Efficacy was determined by clinical and duplex scan examinations performed at 6, 8, and 12 months, and at 2, and 4 years. Results: A total of 7 clinical failures (12%) and 14 duplex scan failures (23%) were observed. No major complications such as arterial injection, severe allergic reaction or deep vein thrombosis were reported. Conclusions: Successful sclerotherapy for varicose veins can be performed independently of a history of diabetes, with a success rate similar to that observed in patients without diabetes, provided the patient has good glycemic control (HbA1c <6.5%). Varicose veins of the legs are a common condition caused by venous insufficiency as a result of valve reflux.1 Most varices are located in the great saphenous vein (GSV) and are associated with symptoms such as leg heaviness, fatigue, or throbbing pain.2 People with diabetes may be particularly prone to varicose veins as they generally present with a number of common risk factors for chronic venous disease (CVD) including poor circulation, overweight, hypertension as well as a propensity for endothelial dysfunction. Indeed, a number of studies in the literature have shown that CVD and diabetes mellitus frequently coexist.3-6 Furthermore, diabetes is associated with more severe si Continue reading >>
Varicose Veins
Enlarged veins that typically appear as cords bulging through the skin. They are commonly seen on the backs of the calves or the insides of the thighs and may be dark purple or blue in color. Varicose veins are commonly accompanied by aching pain, heaviness, swelling, numbness, itching, or rash in the legs along with darkening of the skin. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, and veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. The veins of the legs must work against gravity to carry blood back to the heart; they are aided by the squeezing of leg muscles, which help pump the blood upward. Veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. When these valves become weak, a condition known as venous insufficiency, blood can leak back into the veins and collect there. Varicose veins are very common, affecting roughly half of people age 50 and older. Risk factors include older age; a family history of vein problems; hormonal changes that occur with puberty, pregnancy, or menopause; obesity; and prolonged standing. Varicose veins can gradually grow larger, causing health problems that require medical treatment. In cases of severe venous insufficiency, pooling of blood in the veins can significantly slow the return of blood to the heart, leading to blood clots and severe infection. Blood clots are dangerous because they can travel to the lungs and cut off circulation – a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism. Sores or skin ulcers can also form on the skin surrounding varicose veins. Be sure to see your doctor if you have a sore or rash on a leg with a varicose vein, or if you have a varicose vein that becomes swollen, red, or very tender or warm to the touch. A number of treatments are available for varicose Continue reading >>
Vascular Disease And Diabetes
People who have diabetes are more at risk of getting vascular disease because their blood sugar levels have spent prolonged periods of time being poorly controlled and higher than normal. In turn, this affects the lining of the body's arterial walls, making the inside of the blood vessels more likely to fur-up causing them to narrow (atherosclerosis). People with Type 2 diabetes are also more likely to have raised triglyceride levels and low HDL cholesterol which also increase the risk of atherosclerosis. So what is diabetes? There are two types: Type 1 diabetes (also referred to as early-onset, juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes). Children and young adults are most likely to develop the condition over a short period of time (days and weeks). Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops releasing insulin. It is treated with insulin injections and a healthy diet. Type 2 diabetes (also referred to as late-onset, maturity-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes). It is most likely to develop in those over the age of 40-years-old (but can occur in younger people). It is more likely to affect those who are obese or overweight. The illness and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes tend to develop gradually (over weeks or months). Unlike Type 1 diabetes the pancreas still produces insulin, but it may not be as much as the body requires, or the body's cells are not able to use the insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. I have diabetes, so how can I prevent the risk of other complications like vascular disease? In general, the closer your blood glucose level is to normal, the less likely you risk developing complications. Your risk of developing complications is also reduced if you deal with any other 'risk factors' that you may have such as: high blood pressure smokin Continue reading >>
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Does Diabetes Cause Varicose Veins? What’s The Connection
A varicose veins is a common problem which affects both men as well as women. Around 40 million people are known to be affected by this condition in which there is an acute pain in the body and the movement of the affected area becomes a problem. It is important to treat this because if the condition is allowed to grow, it may lead to serious threats such as thrombosis, blood clotting problems, ulcers, sores in the ankle area amongst other complications. In most of the cases, diabetes is believed to be the main cause of varicose veins. However, the same may not always hold true because many people who are diabetic do not have varicose veins and vice versa. Let us further analyze the relationship between varicose veins and diabetes in the article that follows. So, come and join in for the article “Does Diabetes Cause Varicose Veins?” What are Varicose Veins? Varicose veins are the large, blue-colored veins that can be easily seen through the skin. The most common area of the body where you can witness these enlarged and twisted veins are on the legs. The body has a mechanism that prevents the back flow of blood through the valves of the veins. In certain cases, when this mechanism of the body fails, varicose veins start appearing. As a result, the blood which does not have oxygen in sufficient quantity is accumulated in the veins and is not taken back to the lungs for restarting the circulation of blood. It is for this reason that you see the purple colored bulging veins which accumulate in the body.Varicose veins also cause venous insufficiency which again is a problem caused in the circulatory system of the body. Apart from the elongated and bulging blue colored veins, you will know that you have varicose veins when you have the following signs and symptoms: Crampi Continue reading >>
