Can Diabetes Cause Venous Insufficiency?

Can Diabetes Cause Venous Insufficiency?

There are numerous medical conditions that can lead to and are associated with venous insufficiency, though some of them are arguably more serious than others. One of the more serious associated conditions is diabetes, which while it may not directly cause venous insufficiency to develop, is definitely related in that it can greatly affect the tissue found in the lower extremities. While either condition involves careful and close monitoring, when both are present at the same time it can be even more important to pay close attention and follow all instructions from your physician.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes result when the body cannot produce enough insulin on its own, which in turn affects the amount of glucose that is present within the blood. When there is an excess of glucose within the blood, it can greatly weaken vein walls and cause severe damage to them over time. In fact, in the majority of adults who die from diabetes the actual cause of death is vascular disease, and their risk can be considered as much as 2-4 times that of adults without diabetes.

Because both venous insufficiency and diabetes have such negative impacts on the skin and underlying fatty tissue, they can present a very dangerous combination. In terms of venous insufficiency, weakened vein walls can cause veins to leak and blood to pool, which can result in painful and uncomfortable symptoms like swelling, itching, and burning. In the long term, this can also cause skin ulcers to form and scarring of the skin and fatty tissue just underneath it.

Damage from diabetes, on the other hand, is usually more related to the nerves and arteries in the legs and feet. Over time, excess glucose in the blood can cause a numbing effect to build up, which can further result in leg ulcers and wounds to form as the numbness can often prevent people from even realizing that they have hurt themselves. Diabetes also plays a large effect on both the large arteries and the smaller veins and vessels found throughout the legs and feet. Over times, these vessels will begin to receive a deficient amount of blood, which will then cause similar effects as the nerve numbness that is also occurring simultaneously. When the effects of diabetes and venous insufficiency are present simultaneously, complications are far more likely as well as is the risk for them to be more severe.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and are worried about venous insufficiency, then it can be very helpful to consult with a physician who specializes in venous disease. For an experienced and compassionate vein doctor in Tampa and the surrounding areas, one who is familiar with both venous insufficiency and its many associated conditions, schedule an appointment with Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center today by calling (727) 712-3233.