The vascular system, which circulates oxygenated blood through the body, can be affected by age and unhealthy habits as much as any other bodily system. Read on to learn more.
At first, it might make sense that diabetes and venous disease are connected, but are the two really linked? Does one cause the other? Venous disease involves poor circulation and diabetes notoriously can wreak havoc on just about every bodily system, the circulation of blood included. The relationship between the two conditions is complicated.
By definition, venous disease, or venous insufficiency, is difficulty returning blood from the limbs back to the heart. This causes the blood to pool in the veins, which can stretch, distend, and eventually weaken the walls of these blood vessels, leading to varicose veins and other problems.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that involves unhealthy changes in your blood chemistry. After all, the hallmark symptom of diabetes is high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Having too much sugar in the blood results from not being able produce or use the hormone insulin. Insulin, in turn, helps the body process and store sugar from the foods we eat.
Diabetes also interferes with the function of nerves, skin, and arteries (the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body). People with uncontrolled diabetes experience swelling of the feet and legs, and foot ulcers are common as well.
Both of these conditions share risk factors and each can worsen outcomes when they occur at the same time. Here are some common risk factors for diabetes and venous disease:
There are simple ways to reduce your risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes and venous disease. Self-care and lifestyle changes can go far in improving your current and future health, but make sure to talk with your health care provider about any concerns you may have and, in particular, before you embark on any new types of exercise.
Diabetes and venous disease develop slowly over time but getting prompt medical care can help prevent them from progressing. To find out more about how we treat circulatory problems, contact the specialists at Premier Vein & Vascular today. Call 1-888-VEINCARE or you can use our online appointment request form to schedule a visit. We look forward to seeing you in one of our two convenient locations, in either Tampa or Largo, Florida.
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